| When Dolores "DeeJazz" Jackson sings, it's not | | | | Ken Keyes, Jr. His book is titled, Handbook to Higher |
| surprising to see why her listeners are are dynamically | | | | Consciousness.FB: Your album continues to receive |
| captivated. DeeJazz delivers something unique: | | | | raving reviews from the music industry. What kind of |
| inspirational, message-rich lyrics, against the | | | | reception have you had from listeners?DeeJazz: |
| background of a beautiful and spiritual, jazz sound. | | | | Frequently, people come to me after performances |
| Her voice is as readily remarkable to the human ear | | | | proclaiming they were deeply moved or helped in |
| as it is definitively, distinctive. Particularly engaging, | | | | some way. I have been referred to as "anointed" and |
| each one of her songs demonstrate her ability to | | | | people have expressed gratitude that I have |
| easily hit a wide range of octaves. Her debut album, | | | | followed my divine calling. I've heard people say they |
| titled, "A Musical Messenger," has the potential to | | | | have been helped through relationship problems, |
| inspire and transform lives for the greater.Born in | | | | recovery from drug and alcohol addiction as well as |
| Michigan, USA, DeeJazz has spent most of her life in | | | | money and health issues by my songs. Recently a |
| Detroit. Currently, she makes her home in North | | | | woman in church told me that she was dealing with a |
| Carolina. As a college student, she was the recipient | | | | situation that she had expected to benefit her life |
| of thousands of dollars in scholarships. The singer | | | | tremendously when suddenly it came to a |
| songwriter earned her B.A. in Advertising from | | | | disappointing close. She felt bad but then quickly |
| University of Detroit, Mercy, and graduated Magna | | | | decided to look for the good in the situation. |
| cum Laude.I recently sat down and was honored | | | | Instantly, one of my songs, Darkest B4 the Dawn, |
| with a rare, inside look of this amazing artist. Her CD, | | | | began playing in her head and she started singing it. |
| "A Musical Messenger," has a generous, 14 tracks, | | | | She said she knew it was a message from God. I've |
| and can be purchased at: Good Morning, DeeJazz. | | | | been told my songs are therapeutic, uplifting, |
| Thank you for meeting with me. And, congratulations | | | | timeless, and one never gets tired of listening. I am |
| on your spectacular accomplishment of masterfully | | | | deeply honored by their comments and give credit |
| blending jazz, inspirational, and spiritual music.DeeJazz: | | | | where it is due, to the Most High.FB:How long have |
| Thank you so much, Fran. It is a pleasure to be with | | | | you been writing, arranging and producing your own |
| you.FB:You produced your own album; was that a | | | | music? Is it as challenging as it is fun?DeeJazz: I |
| difficult decision?DeeJazz: Producing my own album | | | | started writing poems when I was around 10 years |
| was not at all a difficult decision. It had been a dream | | | | old and I began putting music to them at 13. I would |
| of mine for a long time. I have been writing songs | | | | play the music on the family piano as I sang the |
| and playing them on the piano since I was 13. So, by | | | | songs. Sometimes I would make up instrumental |
| the time I produced the album, I had quite a few | | | | songs and play them with intense passion. I didn't |
| years of writing and recording experience under my | | | | know at the time but it was a way for me to |
| belt. But yes; there were times when I doubted by | | | | release tension.Writing music has been challenging, but |
| ability to do it by myself. After I completed several | | | | mostly it's been fun. I had two music classes in my |
| songs I presented them to some experienced | | | | life. But I found the literal writing and reading of |
| producers for their opinions. One told me my | | | | musical notes tedious and too technical to contain my |
| production wasn't good enough and that I would | | | | interest. I play and write by ear. I hear the songs in |
| need their help, I sensed their desire for control and, | | | | my head and then play what I hear. I feel the most |
| not to mention, compensation. Another told me my | | | | important thing to learn about songwriting is |
| productions were great.However, by this time | | | | structure. For example; verse, chorus, verse, chorus, |
| confidence in my writing ability had matured to the | | | | bridge, chorus, ... etc. There are several structures |
| point where I was feeling pretty secure. | | | | but most songs follow the same basic structure. |
| Nevertheless, I wanted the opinions of experienced | | | | Once I learned song structure it became easier |
| writers/producers. I found out that they are people | | | | because I knew where to put what. What I love |
| too."I encourage anyone that loves real music to | | | | most about song writing is hearing it grow from what |
| purchase this CD. I am confident that you will be | | | | I heard in my head, to what I hear outside of it.FB: |
| uplifted. Musically, everything is there. Whether you're | | | | Who are the individuals that you recognize as your |
| into up-tempo, ballads, introspection, inspirational, | | | | mentors?DeeJazz: Just recently, Maya Angelou has |
| motivational, jazz, vocals, or instrumental, "A Musical | | | | become one of my mentors. After hearing my CD |
| Messenger" has it all!"- Michael L. Jones Producer | | | | she took an interest in me -- and I in her. I am |
| Director, Eye-On-U Productions, N. Hollywood, CAFB: | | | | learning so much from reading her autobiography. She |
| What are some of the most powerful truths you | | | | is an extraordinary woman. She overcame many |
| discovered about yourself after completing your first | | | | obstacles, one after another and still, she rose. I am |
| album?DeeJazz: One of the most powerful things I | | | | learning from her example.I have always liked reading |
| discovered about myself after completing this CD | | | | biographies of other songwriters/artists and using |
| was that I could actually fulfill my lifelong dream to be | | | | them as inspiration. I've read about Barry White, Patti |
| a composer. It was thrilling. Secondly, that I had | | | | Labelle, Barry Gordy, Queen Latifa, Dolly Parton and |
| something worthwhile to offer. For a long time I felt | | | | others.FB: The lyrics in your song titled, This Gift of |
| like a failure. After a failed marriage, I was struggling | | | | Mine, include:Every day is blessingA gift to us with |
| financially as a single parent of two small children and | | | | loveBut we must heedThe call to succeed,That's our |
| I had no direction for my future. Music was always a | | | | gift to GodFB:What would you say to the individual |
| dream for me, but with little or no encouragement | | | | who is struggling with hearing -- or seeing -- their "call |
| from my family, I felt discouraged. Completing this | | | | to succeed?"DeeJazz: I feel we all have a "calling," so |
| project taught me that I could accomplish what I put | | | | to speak, for our lives. There is something that you |
| my mind to as long as I didn't let anything or anyone | | | | were born to do. Hattie states in her book that |
| stop me.FB: It's our understanding that you are an | | | | Michael Jordan says he was "born to play basketball." |
| avid reader. How, and when did you acquire your | | | | That might sound frivolous to some, but as anyone |
| love for reading? And, what books are you reading | | | | can attest to, Michael Jordan's astounding athletic skill |
| now?DeeJazz: My love for reading started when I | | | | is nothing short of miraculous and would most likely |
| was kid when the bookmobile used to come to our | | | | be considered a divine gift. If a person is struggling |
| neighborhood. I loved it! Growing up in Detroit | | | | with discovering their "call to succeed," it is probably |
| --where not much was given to you and sometimes | | | | because it's the thing they've always dreamed of, |
| things were stolen from you -- I was so impressed | | | | but are most afraid to do.FB: In her book and on her |
| that you could borrow books without paying for | | | | website, Hattie shares a touching story on her |
| them. Actually, I'm still impressed by the library! I go | | | | website about her longing for not only a sister -- but |
| every three weeks and sometimes more than that | | | | a companion. Could you summarize it for us?DeeJazz: |
| (laugh).Right now I'm reading Dr. Maya Angelou's | | | | I guess it was supernatural but some part of her |
| four-volume autobiography; also, a book titled, Word | | | | was waiting for me. She was graduating from high |
| Smart. It teaches you how to improve your | | | | school when I was born and she truly loved me |
| vocabulary. And, Seth Speaks. It's a new-thought | | | | unconditionally. Growing up I cannot recall one time |
| phenomenon written in the early 70's by Jane | | | | that she raised her voice to me or made me feel bad |
| Roberts, a woman who channeled a non-physical | | | | about anything. We have always been mentally and |
| entity with some powerful spiritual information. I also | | | | spiritually close, sharing our love of ideas, self-help |
| just finished a great, great book called, The | | | | information and spirituality. Now, this CD/Book project |
| Disappearance of the Universe, by Gary R. Renard. | | | | is becoming more successful than we initially |
| It's an enlightening read mostly about the miracle of | | | | anticipated. We are in the process of preparing |
| forgiveness. This book has changed my life.FB: Dr. | | | | ourselves for whatever it brings.FB: Tell us about |
| Maya Angelou -- a phenomenal woman. You actually | | | | your current and forthcoming projects.DeeJazz: Hattie |
| met her, correct? Would you describe the | | | | and I are in the planning stages of a nationwide tour. |
| experience?DeeJazz: Yes. I met Dr. Angelou in | | | | We'll be doing a full stage production/concert. I will |
| August of this year. After hearing my CD she invited | | | | sing with a live band/orchestra including background |
| me to New York to sing for an "open mic" night at | | | | singers. And, at times, it will be accompanied by |
| Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar. I saw her when she | | | | interpretive dancers/actors. Hattie will expound with |
| began walking down the aisle way. She appeared | | | | spiritual insights during extended instrumental sections |
| majestic in her red evening dress with escorts in | | | | of the songs. Also, we will do workshops consisting |
| front, and back of her. When she got close, she | | | | of her speaking and my singing. The participants get |
| smiled and touched me on the shoulder. I felt like I | | | | lots of hands-on awakening experiences using tools |
| had been touched by an angel. She was then taken | | | | and methods we have used and that have worked in |
| to a private area where she would watch the show | | | | our own lives. We're also planning another CD/book |
| by monitor.A little while later her assistant came to | | | | combo.FB: That sounds like a magnificent production... |
| Hattie and I and guided us to her table. She shook | | | | In reference to your use of "awakening |
| our hands and was incredibly gracious and warm. She | | | | experiences," would you say that in our natural state |
| treated us like we were royalty. Amazing ... Hattie | | | | we are simply unaware of, or do we intentionally |
| recited one of Dr. Angelou's quotes that had made | | | | suppress the Greatness within us?DeeJazz: In our |
| an impression on her life and Dr. Angelou expounded | | | | truly natural state, we are awake. Awake within our |
| on it eloquently adding even more insight. We felt | | | | Spiritual Oneness with everything and everyONE. |
| blessed and honored to be in her presence. | | | | However, in our unnatural state, which is nearly |
| Afterward, I was told she commented on my | | | | everyone's daily experience, we most definitely |
| performance saying it was, "Delightfully | | | | suppress the Greatness within us. How many of us |
| impressive."FB: What was it like collaborating with | | | | suppress acceptance, understanding and forgiveness |
| your sister, Hattie Mae Jackson-Pembrook, as she | | | | in everyday situations? Most of us, most of the |
| completed the companion text for your | | | | time."Awakening" requires a decision. A decision that |
| album?DeeJazz: Collaborating with my sister as she | | | | says the way we have been living, is not working. A |
| wrote the companion text, Messages to Awaken | | | | decision that if "we," meaning, "If I don't accept the |
| yourSelf, was a most exciting and rewarding time. | | | | responsibility to change it, who will?" In our |
| When she was challenged around her abilities I would | | | | workshops we seek to inspire an awakening |
| encourage and prod her along the way. I knew that | | | | experience in the participants so they can have a |
| she could do it and I reminded her how she had been | | | | personal encounter or a remembrance of what it |
| my inspiration. When I was a teen, Hattie was a | | | | feels like to be "awake."FB: Is there anything you |
| motivational speaker. I loved attending her speeches | | | | would like to add before we go?DeeJazz: Lately, I've |
| and I heard her say many times that she wanted to | | | | been experiencing intense gratitude. The information |
| write a book. Well, the messages in my songs all | | | | that I am being guided to is literally changing my life |
| came from books/classes and workshops she had | | | | experience. The powerful ideas and methods that I |
| exposed me to, so I knew this was the perfect | | | | learn and practice are what I convey in my songs in |
| opportunity for her to write her first book. After she | | | | an effort to help people wake up to their innate |
| completed a chapter, I would edit it to our mutual | | | | divinity. We are spiritual beings and until we wake up |
| approval. We had minor clashes about which pictures | | | | to this fact, we will remain asleep and will not |
| to use, and occasionally she lamented: "Another | | | | experience our true reality, which is love.FB: Thank |
| rewrite?" But, we settled them quickly without much | | | | you, DeeJazz for taking the time to share. I certainly |
| dissension.FB:In the forward of Hattie's Book, | | | | enjoyed my time with you.DeeJazz: Thank you, Fran |
| Messages to Awaken yourSelf, you mention that | | | | for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to |
| you experienced mental telepathy with a dog. Was it | | | | share.On assignment with eMediaCampaigns!, Fran |
| deliberate?DeeJazz: Yes, it was deliberate. I don't | | | | Briggs interviewed Dolores "DeeJazz" Jackson in |
| know exactly how I discovered it, but I noticed the | | | | October, 2005.DeeJazz can be contacted at: |
| dog could hear me when I would "think" a command | | | | e-mail: |
| to him. It was a Great Dane. I told him to get up and | | | | website: Hattie Mae Jackson-Pembrook may be |
| come to me, and he did. Then I told him to go lay | | | | contacted at: |
| down, and he did. After doing this several times I | | | | e-mail: |
| was very surprised and decided I would show my | | | | website: Briggs is an author, peak performance |
| little 9-year-old neighbor. I said, "Watch this, I'll tell him | | | | coach and motivational speaker. She is also the |
| to get up in my mind and he will." So, I did, and the | | | | Director of Operations at eMediaCampaigns! and the |
| dog responded. Then, I gave the mental command | | | | President of The Fran Briggs Companies, an |
| to lay down and he followed again. Needless to say, | | | | organization dedicated to the personal and |
| my little friend was highly impressed. However, | | | | professional development of individuals and groups |
| mental telepathy as well as other so called | | | | around the globe. The company's personal |
| extra-sensory perceptions, are common place when | | | | development website offers a free, exciting |
| we remove the erroneous belief of ourselves as | | | | twice-monthly newsletter designed to help individuals |
| mere, human beings. At that time I had been | | | | live a happier, healthier and wealthier life. Please visit |
| faithfully practicing for three months a powerful | | | | for more information. |
| technique of awakening called, The Pathway's, by | | | | |