Today we’d like to introduce you to Loretta Callens.
Loretta, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my journey through music at the early age of 6. Singing at church, school choir and special events. Over the years I have performed at so many events that I’ve lost count.
My instruments are, “Zinger” a six string, “Sweet Baby” a 12 string “Little Boy Blue” a mandocaster and “Big Yama” my keyboard.
My parents were music lovers and wonderful harmony singers. They cultivated my love of music by making sure I had plenty of exposure. There was always music playing in the house, car and Dad’s garage. None of us played an instrument at that point so we sang acapella together often.
In their seventies, my mother learned to play mandolin and my father the bass. From there we formed a band, Pine Hill Bluegrass. In the 80’s we opened an outdoor music venue in east Texas and produced numerous festivals as well as performed at many other festivals through the late nineties.
After that adventure I spent several years playing in song circles, going to music oriented camp outs and working on my songwriting skills. Also took up Mandolin playing. During that time I performed at nursing/retirement centers, fund raisers and participated in a county jail music ministry program.
In 2008 I decided it was time to get serious and produce an album. I had wonderful studio musicians and production engineers on my projects out of the Dallas area. While in Garland recording I had the pleasure of playing some of the awesome historical music venues such as Bill’s Records, Adairs and Sons of Hermann Hall, etc. I been aired live on KNON and my music can be requested for play on the station.
Though I write on my own, I enjoy working with lyricists since my stronger skill is melody writing. My co-writers are Michelle Garrison of Ft. Worth, Laura Haas of Hide Away, David Hawkins of Tyler and Jim Bentley of Cleburne.
Presently I perform solo or with Sheila Clark as “Callens & Clark” at wineries, restaurants, festivals, private events, retirement/nursing centers in the east and central Texas areas.
Since 2009 I have released three CDs, “Strayz”, “Say A Little Prayer For Texas” and “Life Is Good”. I’m beginning work on my next instrumental album titled “Wordless” being built around my original piano melodies. The album is planned for release in the fall of 2019.
My music is available for listening and/or purchase at
www.reverbnation.com/lorettacallens and www.cdbaby.com/lorettacallens
I have been nominated for three Josie Music Awards 2018 in the Folk/Americana category.
1. “Let It Rain” song of the year. Co-written with Michelle Garrison
2. Female vocalist of the year
3. Female entertainer of the year.
The Josie Music Awards is September 8th in Pigeon Forge, TN at the Celebrity Theater in Dollywood.
Whoo-hoo! We’re going to Dollywood!!
I was also nominated by East Texas Performing Arts for a 2016 Texas Sounds International Country Music Award. Didn’t win but was honored to have been nominated and invited to perform at the event.
Aside from performing and songwriting, I have produced nineteen outdoor festivals, co-founded and produced the 2009 and 2010 Texas Independent Music Expo held in Dallas, TX.
Bottom line is I love music of many genres and love working in the independent musician’s scene. Success to me is bringing folks joy, hope and inspiration.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part the road has been smooth. One of the toughest struggles was gathering the funds for the production of albums. However I’m happy to say I’ve been able to earn enough performing to meet my needs. I have the support of my husband, children, family and friends. That means a lot in the music business. Keeping gear in order, toting gear and travel is a bit of a struggle. I’ve been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis for over 30 years. So have to pace myself.
Please tell us about Loretta Callens (songstress).
My business, Loretta Callens (songstress), consist of me, my instruments and musical abilities. My specialty is entertaining, songwriting, singing and playing my instruments in the hopes of bringing joy and hope into someone’s life if only for a little while. I also have the ability to produce, MC, and stage manage music events. I’m proud to be a respected part of the independent music community. I believe each person has their own unique abilities. That’s what sets me apart from others.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Endeavor to produce recordings earlier in this adventure.
Pricing:
- 1GB guitar shaped flash drive with both “Life Is Good” and “Say A Little Prayer for Texas” albums. $15 includes shipping.
- “Life Is Good” CD – $10 includes shipping
- “Say A Little Prayer For Texas” CD – $10 includes shipping
- “Life Is Good” and “Say A Little Prayer for Texas” 2 CD set – $15 includes shipping
- Downloads available at www.reverbnation.com/lorettacallens – $1.29 each
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reverbnation.com/lorettacallens
- Phone: 903.539.8817
- Email: lorettacallens@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Thomas W Callens, Laura Haas, David Hawkins
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
