Page 172 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Reason To Sing

Hudson and I continue scheming as we make the drive
back to Toronto. The pink thing is fast becoming my signature.
Now all things “Kelita” are pink! Pink spandex, pink earrings,
pink high heels, sweaters, ribbons and gloves. Hudson is
running with the pink theme full speed ahead. He’s designing
Kelita buttons, t-shirts, posters and promotional materials. We
coordinate everything with the release of the new single which
will come out on our friend Gilles Godard’s Bookshop Record
label.
Soon enough the record is at radio and everybody is falling
in love with the energetic, upbeat song. It starts climbing
the charts and takes me to new heights. At one popular
radio station, “Too Hot to Handle” becomes the theme song
whenever Edmonton Oiler hockey star Wayne Gretzky scores
a goal.
With all the attention, my popularity attracts an
independent financial backer. Finally, I have the funds to
complete my second country album! Add to that Ron Solleveld,
my supportive music publishing executive friend at BMG, who
helps us ink a nation-wide Canadian distribution deal with a
partner publishing deal with RCA Records Canada. I’m on my
way now!
The Pink Lady marketing plan is working! The album
“Too Hot to Handle” garners numerous award nominations
including two more JUNOs. My favourite is the one for
Entertainer of the Year, the highest accolade given out by the
Canadian Country Music Association. Hudson and I can feel
the momentum building and are so happy our dedication and
hard work are starting to pay off.
Besides all things pink, the other big change is I have
now dropped my last name. I simply go by Kelita. Like Cher
and Madonna. My stepfather Mike has been enjoying his

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