We recently connected with Belle and have shared our conversation below.
Belle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
This answer is going to seem strange. I have always went for what I wanted ever since I was a child. I grew up in watts, ca so hustle is in me. I don’t wish I had went for my dreams sooner because I’ve always done that. I wish I had not limited my dreams all of those years ago. I allowed the negative words spoken to me a. Child to effect my self esteem therefore I never reached my greatest potential.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My dad was in a legendary gospel group called the five blind boys of Mississippi. It’s only natural that music is in my blood. I got started doing talent shows with Rowe entertainment in watts, ca at will rogers park. I was with Tyrese, brandy and Ray j and so many other great talent. I went from wanting to be a solo artist to singing background vocals because I was told I wasn’t thin or pretty enough. I became the best background vocalist I could be. That lead me to writing songs for other people like Faith Evans, Jennifer Lopez, Erica campbell and more. In the creative industry doing one thing can lead to another if you allow it to work for you. I went into tv doing commercials and jingles. I had taken time off of music but still wanted to be creative. My first job back in music was with Kanye west and the Sunday service choir. I went from there to filling realizing that I needed to spend more time making my name known. I became the lead singer of dance music legend duo LaBouche and I also started releasing my own music in the house-dance-pop genre.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In 2014 I was on a major tour called “Bangerz” with pop star Miley Cyrus. I was having personal problems at home and my voice was going out. I had to make a major decision to quit. I knew it would possibly men I’d never work again in the industry. I had to figure out what was going on with my personal life at home and I needed to see about my voice. It turns out that i had vocal nodules and in 2015 I needed to have surgery. I was so ashamed. I felt so inadequate after being a top vocalist. I didn’t sing until 2019. My kids and I were going to be homeless. I needed help and had no support. Kanye west was auditioning for his choir. I went and was chosen. I spent my time in that choir rehabilitating my voice and I was so proud of myself because i was able to be at the top of my game in that choir. It gave me the confidence i needed to move forward as a solo artist as I’ve always dreamed.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Earlier this year I went back to my middle school markham middle school. I wanted to speak to the kids in the music department especially. I realize that my mission is to encourage and support those coming after me. I grew up without any emotional support and I realize so many are in this same position. I want to be part of the reason why someone persevered in their lives. I want to prevent suicide, and low self esteem in youth and young adults.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheOnlyBelle.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theonlybelle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BELLESMUSIC?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannie-belle-johnson-79bb117?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/y5R8rUpM8W1rZxJb8
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/belle/1586738997
Image Credits
Group photo is of me after teaching a class at my old school melon middle school with the girls rock foundation. Picture of me in black with the guy in black and white is of Labouche getting ready to go on stage Lane McCray and Belle Johnson. Picture of myself with Jennifer Lopez is from her hbo show dance again.