We were lucky to catch up with Edye Evans Hyde recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Edye Evans, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first dollar I made as a singer was right after I graduated from high school. One of my high school friends had put a musical duo together and was performing at a local restaurant. I few of my friends thought it would be a cool thing to see him perform. We had all been involved in high school choir and decided to all sing a song we had learned for a concert in the restaurant.

Somehow, I ended up singing the solo on my own. Due to the response of audience, the duo decided to try performing as a trio with me adding vocals. I was hired for the next weekend and made $50. My mom came to hear me, and she was in shock. She could not believe her baby was singing in front of all these people. To be honest, I couldn’t believe it either. That was the start of my love for performing. I was a newly minted 18-year-old.

Edye Evans, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Edye Evans Hyde and I am a vocalist and theatre actor. Over the almost 50 years, I have been singing all genres of music, but I am known for my jazz interpretations as well as my use of scat singing. Scat singing, for those who are not acquainted with the term is vocal improvisation. I have also used my voice for narration, commercial work, teaching, presenting speeches and workshops. Along with the performances and I am the founder of Ebony Road Players. Ebony Road Player is a theatre company that provides a platform for underrepresented voices in Grand Rapids Michigan. I have a degree in music education which was very important to be because it allowed me to have a shared language with other musicians. Over the years I have shared my music with wonderful people across the country and around the world. I have performed in China, Italy, Los Angeles.

I think the thing I am most proud of is how the arts has afforded me opportunities to meet so many amazing people across the globe. I feel like being an artist is the best way we bring people together. It provides a bit of time for us all to have a shared experience. I am also very proud of the fact that I never let my dream die. It just takes different forms.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey in to being a working musician has been a little difficult but not overwhelming. I am married and have 2 adult children. When they were young, I took various jobs to afford the comforts of what families need. I tried to continue performing when I could. I never wanted that important part of me to go away. There has always been a feeling of guilt that can consume a person because of the unusual schedule and balancing traditional and a nontraditional family life. But I soon realized that our kids didn’t really know any difference. They knew mom and dad were musicians and that was that. Through the years they also performed with us and has traveled to my China engagement when they were in middle and high school. They still talk about that amazing opportunity. Over the years I have also experienced serious health issues that was followed up with the Covid outbreak that stopped all performances for a while. So, my husband and I along with our son, who is a drummer, did 50 or so streaming concerts. After my health issues, I thought it was all over. but I think it is really hard for a creative to just stop. I have always found excitement in turning something that may seem impossible, possible. I guess that’s the real journey.
I always say, it isn’t over till it’s over. For me, it isn’t over.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is the satisfaction I get when creating something that brings a community together. Whether it is creating an instant family of my fellow musicians/actors or helping the audience experience something special. My hope is that I have made something that makes people feel good for the moment or something that can carry them for a long time. We all need a time to laugh and cry and I hope that is something I can offer in my own way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.edyeandmike.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049656774299
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=edye+evans+hyde

Image Credits
Dogtown Studio Michael Florian