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My guest today is a backing singer for one of the most influential and important artists of our time. Jasmin Cruz has been singing with r n’ b titan Stevie Wonder for the past several years, touring on multiple continents and selling out arenas, festivals, and auditoriums in cities all over the world.
Through popular documentaries like Standing in the Shadows of Motown, and Twenty Feet from Stardom, only now is the general public finally starting to recognize the crucial contribution of musicians like Jasmin Cruz, whose famous employers depend on them, night after night, to shine.
As concert going-audiences we’re often fixated on the artist we’ve paid money to see, and it can be easy to overlook the contribution of the musicians in the background. But the fact remains, that legends like Stevie Wonder need the support and skill of people like Jasmin in order to make their performance all the more legendary.
But today’s interview doesn’t just get into Jasmin’s life on tour. My guest also talks about:
- Her decision to quit a lucrative corporate job in New York City to pursue a career in music
- The challenges involved in trying to make it as an independent artist
- Making her debut with Stevie Wonder at the United Nations (!)
- What’s involved in preparing for a large tour
- What it’s like to have one of the most widely beloved figures in music as a boss
I hope you enjoy sitting in on my chat with Stevie Wonder backing singer Jasmin Cruz.
Also available via Stitcher Radio
Mentioned in this episode:
- “Ngiculela-Es Una Historia – I Am Singing” by Stevie Wonder (Amazon / iTunes)
- Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder (Amazon / iTunes)
- Talking Book by Stevie Wonder (Amazon / iTunes)
- Jasmin talks about life on tour (YouTube)