by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
In the blues world, Celinda Pink is a legend. She’s blessed with a powerful blues voice, reminiscent of Janis Joplin or Koko Taylor. Operating from Nashville, Celinda reached the big time after signing a record deal with Step One Records in the early 1990s.
After a long hiatus, which began in 1998, Celinda went on the comeback trail in 2004, living in Jacksonville with her son, Jonathan Brock, who is also her lead guitarist. Now Celinda is playing bass. On the strength of her reputation, Celinda performed on the main stage for the last Springing the Blues Festival, where she won many new fans.
Last Saturday afternoon, I caught Celinda as the headline act at Tree Hill’s Butterfly Festival, performing as the Celinda Pink Blues Band with Celinda on bass and lead vocals, her son, Jonathan Brock on lead guitar, Chris Fluhanly on vocals, Kristina Anderson on backup vocals, and Blaine Gilbert on drums.
Celinda’s story is a study in contrasts–a rapid rise to fame followed by a tragic burnout, which could be considered an occupational hazard of being in the music business. In a recent interview, Celinda talked frankly about her downfall and her struggle to reestablish her name as a blues artist.
“I had a nervous breakdown over a marital breakup and I went into rehab to get sober. I considered quitting the business, but it’s what I do best and I’m ready to get back to performing once again. Everyone has been so encouraging. When I quit, I got rid of my equipment and instruments, but my son has helped me get what I need.”
“When I lived in Nashville, I pioneered the blues scene by stubbornly singing the blues in an all country town. Now, there are mostly blues artists playing the Broadway strip.”
“It took me nineteen years to get a record deal with Step One and I toured with Willie Nelson, Delbert McClinton, and other big names. Yes, I did the big time thing. My album Unchained charted on the Top 30 Gavin Americana and number 1 on the Blues Charts. Then I had a top 20 single, ‘I’ve Earned the Right to Sing the Blues’. I was also nominated for a “Nammy” Nashville’s local Grammy award. My hit single generated international interest at Midem (The International Music Festival in Cannes, France.) Then I toured the United Kingdom and sold out all my shows.”
“In 1998, after two bad marriages, a heroin and alcohol addiction problem, I just freaked out. I needed help. So I quit and got straight. Now I feel ready to perform and record again. My son has helped me musically. He’s a musical prodigy who plays guitar, bass, piano, or any instrument he picks up.”
“My second album, Unchained was released in October, 1995 to critical acclaim. Like most songwriters, I write about my life. My break-ups and romantic entanglements serve as inspiration for many of my songs.”
“I had to get away from Nashville. They always had trouble knowing what to do with me. Some of the Nashville producers called me country, or country blues. In the UK, they wanted to market me as pop. Actually, my music is a fusion of country, gospel, blues, and well, everything. I sing from my heart and put every bit of my soul into my songs. I hate being labeled, but I realize it’s a marketing thing. I just hope my music touches people.”
At the Butterfly Festival, Celinda’s gritty voice sounded strong and she sang with conviction. Her band was tight with her two vocalists providing strong backup harmonies to Celinda’s life-weary voice. Celinda’s emotional pain, struggle with alcohol, and substance abuse has strengthened her resolve to stay focused on her music.
In other words, Celinda has lived the blues from the street level up, and now it’s a long road back to where she had originally ascended. However, the fact that Celinda is performing again and making the right moves to get back in the game is a major accomplishment. She took a long detour, but she found the main highway again. I’m sure we will be seeing much more of Celinda Pink in the near future.
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