So on August 31st after shooting some images of Nico Wheadon and Amani Olu for Binge Magazine I looked out of the window of PPOW Gallery and saw 3 good friends of mine sitting in a convertible.

I went down to say hello and my friends proceeded to introduce me to a new client of their management company who as it turns out is an actor and model who I already knew from Facebook and Model Mayhem.

Then one of my friends goes back into the rehearsal hall and brings out this BEAUTIFUL sista and introduces her to us. Everyone very politely says nice to meet you and I said " oh shit...you're CINDY MIZELLE!" Her eyes lit up knowing that I recognized her for exactly who she is. She didn't look at me like I was a crazed a fan. She didn't go into diva mode. She simply opened her arms and welcomed me with a hug. A spirit as warm as her voice.

Here's why I was so excited: Cindy is an incredible vocalist!

Cindy Mizelle had solo success (including This Could Be The Night from the breakdance movie Beat Street in 1984 and I've Had Enough in 1994) and she is of course a beautiful black woman. However, the reason I knew exactly who she was is because one of my best friends and I are music heads. I MEAN REAL MUSIC HEADS. Nerds who used to read liner notes, collect 45rpm records and albums with our allowance and can tell you everyone who sang background vocals and played the instruments on most records form the 70's, 80's and 90's. Music heads who miss the days of session singers working in the studio (at the same time) as the lead vocalist and creating that special chemistry that comes from true collaboration. Well CINDY MIZELLE is one of THOSE GIRLS who sangs sangs sangs and has done it for years in the studio and on tour with legends!

Man oh man was it a pleasure to meet someone whose voice helped to shape classic recordings and tours including Luther Vandross and others. I'm not telling you anymore, DO YA OWN RESEARCH...lol...I'm tired of doin all da work up in this piece!

Cindy is currently singing backing vocals with Whitney Houston (yeah that's the rehearsal that was going on inside when I dropped by). I share these things with you guys NOT TO BRAG, but to bring a smile to your faces and hopefully a lil extra joy to your day. Everyday in every corner of the world people are making their dreams come true and having special little moments like the one we shared with Cindy. I just like to share mine so that you'll be inspired to live and share yours as well.

Love U Cindy Mizelle. Keep on SANGIN!