Annette Murrell
Lincoln singer takes the 'A Train' to a full life

If not for a last-minute musical disappointment, our Backstage Pass Host, Annette Murrell might be belting out "Wade in the Water" instead of "Take the A Train."

Murrell was on the gospel music fast-track in New Orleans, singing in the James Cleveland Workshop Choir, when she finally garnered a solo in a major show. The performance attracted big name gospel singers, an appearance by Billy Person, and all the glitz and glamour the adolescent could ask for.

"At the last minute they cut my solo," Murrell said. "That moved me away from gospel and I eventually fell in love with jazz."

She still likes to close a show with a gospel tune, but it is jazz, especially bebop, that is her first love.

When Murrell daydreams about a perfect life, it's one that includes teaching, singing on the weekends, doing jazz festivals in the summer and living in Lincoln.

"I like Lincoln. I have friends here, musicians I've played with for a long time. My son is happy here."

To see Annette Murrell's Discography click here.