Singer BeckyB, hits high notes in a rendition of Whitney Houston‘s “I Will Always Love You” recently at Jewels Paradise Cove in Runaway Bay, St. Ann. The breathtaking performance of the iconic pop ballad, elicited cheers and screams from men and woman alike.
In an exclusive interview with WMV, BeckyB shares her deep admiration for Whitney, her personal musical journey, and her aspirations for the future in the industry.
“Whitney is my idol. She is the epitome of grace and style, a powerhouse voice,” Becky shared. “She started singing in the church at an early age, as I did, and was raised in a Christian home the same way I was. She’s a soulful performer; she leaves it all on the stage. I aspire to walk a few miles in her shoes as it relates to performing.”
“I Will Always Love You” was originally a country song by Dolly Parton, recorded in 1973 and released in 1974. It climbed the US Billboard Hot Country Charts first in June 1974, and eight years later in October 1982. Whitney’s cover peaked broke the Billboard Hot 100 record and peaked at No. 1 for 14 weeks and became the best selling single by a woman in the US. Several other artists have since done renditions including Sarah Washington, whose dance version reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. The music video for the song has surpassed 1.6 billion views on YouTube.
26 year old BeckyB who has made a name for herself on the popular TV Show Farmchicks, says she is aware of the strong legacy the song has and will be recording and releasing an official cover of her recent rendition of Whitney’s iconic version from the movie The BodyGuard. “I definitely will be doing a cover of a few Whitney songs. I really can’t choose which song is my favorite from her, but some of my favorites to perform would be ‘I Will Always Love You,’ ‘Saving All My Love for You,’ and ‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All.'”
Reflecting on her roots, the Clarendon, Jamaica native recounted her early days in music: the church. “I started performing in church. My dad was a pastor. At the age of five, I was inspired by my sister, as she used to lead song service. I would just sit there in the audience, looking at her, knowing I loved music. One Sunday, I just went up and that was it from there.”
“My church upbringing is pretty interesting. Being a pastor’s daughter, I would always perform in church, perform at concerts, perform at different churches, ended up being a part of the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition and just pursuing my career in gospel music for a while,” Becky explained. “Then I wanted to branch out a little bit and just allow myself to be creative and be more expressive with my talent. To be honest, it all started in church, but I do have a little rebel side to me. I wanted to explore that creative side.”
From the church onto the professional stage has been a long and enlightening one she says. “What I have learned about the industry is music is always evolving, and you as the creative have to always tap into yourself. Remain authentic to your craft, but still improve on your craft. There’s always something to learn in music. You are forever a student in the game,” she told World Music Views.
Born Rebecca Bissoon, BeckyB’s most memorable performances took place in 2014 when she won the a national competition at only age 10. “If memory serves me correctly, my biggest audience would be the nights I won the Jamaica Children’s Gospel Festival in 2014,” she recalled.
Looking ahead, the WMV Fresh Face artist has clear goals for her career. “I see myself in the next five years on the verge of becoming an international artist. I’m still working on my craft. I’m still working on my sound. I do want to make it big locally and then step foot into the international arena in the next five years.”
