KEITH A. DAMES

Vocalist, Dancer, Choreographer

JC: How did you first come to music as a child?

The first time I heard music was in the early 1960’s, before I was six, on a local radio station in Miami, Florida. I spent the first five years of my life in Overtown, now Historical Overtown. The song was Downtown sung by Petula Clark.

by Joan Cartwright

JC: Do you compose music?

I don’t consider myself a composer, but I have composed one 12-bar blues, entitled My Momma Didn’t Raise No Fools. I have a few other tunes percolating around in my

brain, but I have not completed them or put them down on paper.

JC: Do you have a music publishing company? I don’t have a music publishing company. But I have a music production company, SeMad Productions & Enterprises, for my promotion, performance, and production of live music concerts and single engagements.

I am the vocalist for dem Kat’s In Black Hats, a jazz and blues rhythm section quartet.

JC: Are you with ASCAP or BMI?I I joined BMI because it was free, but I can’t join ASCAP as long as I am a member of BMI.

JC: Are you aware of the challenges that women musicians face in the music industry?

I understand the challenges women face in music, a maledominated industry. However, Billie Holiday is my inspiration for singing and women have always

been inspiring, supportive, and helpful to me, along my musical journey. I have been befriended by Della Griffin, Arlene Talley, Cantrese Alloway, Bertha Hope, Carline Ray, and Paula Hampton of Jazzberry Jam.

Joan Cartwright accepted and supported me, and I want her to know how much it is appreciated. I work with women musicians, when and as often as I can. Recently, I worked with Kiyoko Yamaoka Lane.

JC: What advice do you have for a younger person entering the world of music performance?

The advice I offer to younger musicians and vocalists is to learn the business. They call it Show Business for a reason, the history of exploitation still continues after a whole century.