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