Greta Prince: Chasing her dream

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Greta Prince: Chasing her dream

By Glenn Burkins – July 7, 2011

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Greta Prince, winner of the Essence + Pebbles R&B Star competition, moved from Charlotte to Atlanta to pursue her goal to become an international recording artist. (Photo: Courtesy of Essense)
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Less than a year ago, Greta Prince gave up a finance job in Charlotte and moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in R&B music.

A pipe dream? Well, maybe not.

Earlier this year she won the Essence + Pebbles R&B Star competition – a nationwide search for the next great talent. And last weekend in New Orleans, she sang at the Essence Music Festival.

As one of six finalists – thousands entered the competition -- she attended an R&B boot camp where she was coached on essential skills such as interviewing, hair styles, make-up, vocal training and choreography.

Her voice has been compared to those of legends such as Diana Ross and Billie Holiday.

On stage in New Orleans, Prince sang behind Trey Songz, K.E.M. and New Edition – and just before the headline act, Mary J. Blige.

“Incredible,” she said, looking for words to describe the experience. “That was a coveted spot.”

Prince was even more surprised when, while singing the Deniece Williams song “Free,” she was joined on stage by the legendary songstress.

QcityMetro.com recently caught up with Prince for a Q&A to talk about her whirlwind experience. Some answers were edited for brevity and clarity.

Q. What does winning this competition mean to you?

This is the start of what hopefully will be a lifelong career in R&B music for me. It’s something I’ve been pursuing my whole life. I’ve always wanted to sing. So it’s the boost I think my career needs. I’ve never had anything like this before, not in my career.

Q. How did this all come about?

I kind of fell upon it by chance. Actually, my boyfriend heard about it on the radio. Heheard Pebbles talking about it and told me about it.

Q. Aside from bragging rights, what comes with winning?

I got to perform at the final concert (in New Orleans). There will be a song deal, and there’s also going to be a year’s management contract with Kevin Liles. He’s a well-known manager. I know he works with Trey Songz. He has a host of other R&B artists as well. I also get a photo spread in Essence magazine.

Q. How long have you been singing?

Since I was 5, or about 10 year...LOL. (No, she is not 15) Basically my whole life.

Q. Did you do any singing in Charlotte?

I did actually. In church as well as at local banquets, weddings, things like that. But nothing on this type of scale.

Q. Where did you attend church?

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist.

Q. You gave up a job in finance and moved to Atlanta. What are you doing there?

Right now I’m just singing. I’ve been working with some local producers on my own studio projects. Also I’ve gotten involved in some showcases around here and different talent competitions. I try to do at least one a week.

Q. Why Atlanta and not New York or L.A?

I’m actually an Atlanta native. I remember when I was younger I would always see so many celebrities – Jermaine Dupree, Chris Cross. La Face Records was started here. Pebbles, TLC -- some of the greatest R&B acts came out of the Atlanta area. And there are so many performance opportunities here, so may showcases here, clubs, such a variety of venues where up-and-coming artists can perform.

Q. Do you miss Charlotte?

I do. I miss my friends and family there.

Q. Do you have anything you want to say to them?

I just want to thank them for supporting me. Even my former co-workers knew how much I wanted to pursue music, and they always supported me as much as they could – coming to my performances. I just want to thank them for their support and let them know that I love them. And hopefully I will be in Charlotte to perform again soon.

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