Native Chicago, Illinois, singer-actress Rhona Bennett has been entertaining the masses throughout the majority of her life.
In ‘91, Bennett landed The Mickey Mouse Club [1990’s revival], followed shortly thereafter by Emerald Cove, a short lived “dramedy” on the Disney Channel. After the show’s cancellation, appearances were secured on sitcoms like Living Single and Martin, before becoming a series regular [“Loquatia”] on the Flex Alexander and Darryl Bell starring Homeboys in Outer Space [UPN]. In 2000, Rhona was asked to join the fourth season of the WB’s The Jamie Foxx Show, in which she played Jamie's co-worker and singing partner, Nicole.
Later that same year, Miss R&B - as she’s affectionately known - inked a promising deal with Sony Music, under producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, where she was given the title, “First Lady of Darkchild." Although a premiere single, "Satisfied," materialized in March ‘01, her self-titled solo debut was ultimately shelved due to a fallout between Sony and Darkchild Records.
In 2003, Rhona Bennett joined the multi-platinum Grammy nominated En Vogue, and continues to perform alongside members Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron both in the studio and on stage.
Let’s hop right into this lead entry, ‘We (A Powerful Thing)’ — Tell me about this particular track; how did it actually come to fruition?
Initially, I was intending to record a single to complement the release of the second edition of my book ‘Saving Your Soul,’ a mentorship / guidance book for Creatives to navigate the entertainment industry at any stage of their career…However, once I started the process of finding music and writing songs, there was more creative expression that wanted to come out. So I just kept going. "We (A Powerful Thing)” actually came towards the end of the process.
Of course ‘We (A Powerful Thing)’ comes courtesy of your solo LP, Instant Classic — Although self explanatory, still tell me, conceptually, what this title represents both to and for you?
Instant Classic came about because I liked the name and it represented timeless music, which I hope my collection of songs feel like by the time you finish listening.
As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw inspiration from?
For this album in particular, the inspiration for the songwriting came from getting clear about the messages I wanted to give from Coach Rho through Miss RnB's voice. Being an entertainer and life coach are two of my passions fusing together on Instant Classic. It's an opportunity for both expressions in one place.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I hope people find inspiration, life guidance, and a safe space for more of their personal unfolding through my songs.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B? And, even more specifically, why do you all feel that we, the masses, don’t see the group dynamic like it was back in, say, the nineties?
I think the current state of RnB is in a great place, it's just not on Pop radio. There are some dope indie artists, and some of our favorite more mainstream artists are still cranking out bangers and soul stirrers. You just gotta seek them out…As far as seeing more groups like the nineties and prior, I think we're witnessing a necessary evolution in how members can meet each other, practice, and create together in such a digital / connected world. At this point, I've lived long enough to see that things will come back around, just in a present day version.
As for the immediate, what's next for Miss RnB?
Next for me is to continue sharing this music, coaching at my coaching school, singing with En Vogue, loving on my family and friends, and staying creative. God willing, I'm blessed with great health to do it 🙏🏾✨
Btw, what’s up with En Vogue?
En Vogue is on the road, performing in the United States with some dates in Europe. You can visit envoguemusic.com to see if we're coming to a city near you!
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
I'd love to have you drop by and keep in touch at: rhonabennett.com, on Instagram [officialmissrnb], or Facebook [rhonabennett7 / Rhona Bennett - Miss R&B]…Thank you for supporting the music and the message!
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