10 Questions with ... Marshalee

1. Intro/Synopsis

I was born in sunny Jamaica in the parish of St. Catherine, in Spanish Town. I grew up in very modest conditions but was very happy. My favorite toys were a giant 3 foot doll named Suzie and a stereo mic that I played with, singing. I migrated to the Bronx, New York City in the 9th grade--what a culture shock it was compared to the very polite and very disciplined school culture that I grew up with in Jamaica. It was difficult to adjust but i eventually did. In 9th grade I was brutally teased for being too dark skinned and became known as the girl who never spoke, but by my senior year I was senior class president. I even won the Miss Bronx competition---with a parade and pageantry. (No bathing suits in this event---sorry, it was more based on a speech I had to give entitled "How to address the fiscal crises of New York City". That was my last stint with politics. I worked at KFC while in high school--Free food everyday--I loved it! But I couldn't make it a career so I went on to study economics at SUNY Binghamton, and City Planning at Ohio State University. I ended up in Finance. It was after finishing college that the Lord called me to pursue singing professionally. Prior to that I ministered in song at services in and outside of the church. Currently I live in Boston MA. When I'm not banking, I'm singing and when I'm not singing, I'm teaching others how to sing. When I'm not doing those things, I'm writing songs and working with the best musicians to produce songs for my albums.

2. What does a normal day at home look like for you?

My perfect day starts with me waking up just before dawn and curling up on my living room couch with my study bible and note book and see where the journey in the word leads me--it's always to a great place, discovering lyrics for a new song, understanding God a little better or getting good wisdom and understanding of whatever circumstances I'm dealing with. After that, I head to the gym for about 1 ½, head back home for breakfast, then run errands, have lunch, clean my house, make dinner for my family, catch a basket ball or baseball game with my family, have dinner, then lay in bed watching an episode of my favorite forensic science, lawyer, Christian programming, or stand up comedy show on TV.

3. What's the song that you just can't get out of your head right now?

"All My Hope" by Crowder. It reminds me of how i felt when i first got saved. It brings me back to Sunday morning & church--my favorite place. I love it because, in all of life's ups and downs the conclusion in everything for me is that, "....All my hope is in Jesus...". That's my truth.

4. How much do you travel, what are the challenges? How do you juggle life on the road with wanting to be home?

I have a regular artist problem--the need to develop a balance between ministering in music outside the home and being with my husband and child in the home. Perfection for me would be to have my family and my music with me at all times--but perfection is only a dream. I spend as much time with my family as possible which means i don't do many other things.

5. What Artist or Pastor has had the greatest impact on you?

I love all the Pastors God has placed in my life to Shepherd me. I honor each of you. They have either done one or two things for me: 1) Taught me to evangelize by taking me with them on to the highways and byways, or they have taught me the word on Sunday mornings like a professor. I love being taught the Rhema word.

6. What's the last book you read?

"How to Worship A King" by Zach Neese. The title says it all. This should be required reading for all worship leaders and gospel singers. It teaches you the role of a levite and worship leader and the sensitive relationship between Jesus and His bride in worship.

7. Funniest or most embarrassing moment on the road?

It was no laughing matter when I had to open a show in NYC and my backgound singers who travelled in a separate car got lost and stuck in traffic. I had to do the show without them. I EARNED my pay that day! I had to work my tail off and did a good job. They felt so bad that they missed it. They were so lost they never made it to the show. It was hilarious we had a good laugh when I saw them the next day in MA.

8. Take us through a couple songs on your latest EP, "FOLLOW"

Track #1 FOLLOW: This song ask God what is your dream and replies by saying here I am Lord send me, I will follow you and be a vessel of your love and bring others to Christ which is your greatest desire & purpose--your dream.

TRACK #2 BY HIS BLOOD: Acknowledges that I an nowhere near perfect so I'm super thankful that Jesus Christ still died for me!!

9. What organization/service group are you affiliated with?

WALKER CARES Walker provides intensive services for children and youth facing complex emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. Many of the children are from abusive homes or homes of grosse neglect. So they live at the Walker campus. I love these children and wish I could take all of them home with me. I pray for them often that despite their difficult start in life they will accept Christ in there heart to place themselves on the road to a future with true joy & happiness.

10. Person you'd most like to have a discussion with, living or dead.....Deities are excused from this question

Randy Chase, VP at K-love to say thank you and your team for purifying the airways and the world's atmosphere with amazing music that exalts Christ. He said "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me".

1. Favorite Bible Verse....life verse?

Owe no man anything but to love them for the one who loves another has fulfilled God's law.

Romans 13:8

God simplifies the Christian walk for us in that one verse.

2. How & When did you become a believer?

I became a believe at a church service in Jamaica when I was 12 years old.

3. What's the biggest "God moment" you've ever experienced? Personally or professionally, when has God shown up in a powerful way?

I remember so clearly when I first accepted the invitation to give my heart to Christ, i knealt at the altar and was overwhelmed with the fact that someone would love me so much to die for me so sacrifically. That's what He has done for every person and once we realize how much Christ loves us it becomes difficult NOT to live for Him and surrender to that love. Becoming a believer ("saved") was and still is my greatest God moment. Sacrificial love is powerful.