Meet Cruz The Dame | Singer, Songwriter and Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cruz The Dame and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cruz The Dame, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Music is my purpose. I knew as a child singing and entertaining were my talents. My first performance was when I was 4 years old at my father’s church revival. I sang “Welcome Into This Place” and seeing how inspired and energized the audience was, I realized the unifying power of music and how it touches people’s souls. in a positive, joyous, and uplifting way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Growing up in Tennessee I observed how fragmented music genres were and being of mixed-race heritage I created my own style and genre that I coined as Vintage Music for everyone to listen to and enjoy.

What differentiates my music and sound is that it is a mixture of “something old and something new.” It’s not Retro, it is very musical, a future innovation in sound yet very familiar! I’m most proud of my perseverance. From an early age I was in and out of the major labels shopping for deals, now as an independent artist, I am so glad I stuck to my guns and my calling.

I write, arrange, produce and record all of my own music through my publishing company Vintage Dame Music. On the advice of my attorney, I relocated from Watertown, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia, which is the mecca for music and entertainment in the South.  It was then I began to realize my dream. It has not been easy being female in a male-dominated industry but as I’ve worked professionally in the industry, I’ve learned to focus on the journey and not the “destination.”

My brand represents a time when people were more focused on the gift, purpose, virtue, and pride in our community. My music is timely and timeless. I call it, Vintage Music, the sound captures the spirit of the classics that made our mamas and daddies snap their fingers along with an instantly captivating style. Fusing the gospel music I grew up with, the soul of the Blues, the sensuality of R&B, the innovation of Jazz, and the precision of pop,  I’m bringing originality back to the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is such a fun city! There are so many fabulous places to see, eat, drink and experience. I’d definitely take them to Blind Willie’s Blues Club, Saint James Live, Backstage and Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint. I’d also suggest a visit to Little 5 Points, Apache Cafe, The Tabernacle, and the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.  And for family fun, the Georgia Aquarium, Piedmont Park, SkyView, and the High Museum of Art.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for his grace, and continued blessings, and for giving me the gift of my talents to share with others. I have to thank and acknowledge my husband and creative partner Demmette Guidry for his belief, unconditional love, and inspiration. My children for always supporting me and being my daily motivation. I want to thank my family for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dreams and for being the first bricks of my foundation. And my hard-working Team.

Website: https://cruzthedame.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruzthedame

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruzthedame

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRUZThedame

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv_fJffGcLDhyzWxv2Wb-hA

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/609EisSJOCw6Ee1wIXtdLs Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/lv/album/modern-sounds-in-rhythm-and-soul-music-volume-1/1646235030

Image Credits
Tim Batley John Millington