Page 10 - ION Indie Magazine_JulyAug 2021

GH: Yes, that's correct. The Jive Aces have been around since 1989. They are a six-piece jive and
swing band who have won many awards, they were semi-finalists on Britain's Got Talent and have
11 albums under their belts. I've worked with a lot of bands through the years, and I can honestly
say that these guys are the hardest working, most professional, and loving people I have ever had
the pleasure to work with. I never have to worry about rehearsing before a gig because somehow
in their hectic schedules, they find the time to go over my material before I've even flown in from
Texas. In addition to the band, we added some sexy baritone saxophone played by Lottie B., and
amazing guitar by Jim Knowler, as well as a special guest pianist from The Netherlands by the
name of Roy J. Martin. What I find fascinating about all of this is that we all met through social
media. The Jive Aces happened to be doing a show in the Dallas area and contacted me saying,
‘Hi, we've known each other online for years and we've never met, but do you want to join us on
stage tonight?’ Since then, I have worked with them here in the states when they are on tour, and
I worked with them over in England as well. It's just lovely.

MH: You mentioned that the songs you recorded on the album were all originally done by
black female artists. Tell me more about the female artist and the songs you chose to
record?

GH: I wanted to celebrate the women pioneers of what would become rock and roll. I chose artists
like Ruth Brown, Big Maybelle, Wynona Carr, and Lavern Baker, who toured with my father in the
1950s. Very often, when the roots of rock and roll are talked about, credit is quickly assigned to
the more famous African American male musicians and entertainers like Little Richard or Chuck
Berry. If people dig further, they will make connections to Big Joe Turner, who was an R&B artist
and huge influence on my father. However, all too often, I see women get the short end of the
recognition stick and particularly women of color. My choice in songs for my shows and album
feature these women who were massively important to the evolution of popular music.

MH: For those who haven't seen you live before, what can they expect from your shows?

GH: Aside from the female artists I mentioned earlier, I also perform songs from Aretha Franklin,
Esther Phillips, and when I perform with the Jive Aces, you'll hear music in the style of Louis Prima
and Keely Smith, and of course, some of my father's songs. The show is always super high energy,
and sometimes, you might see the kind of stage antics that were typical of rock and roll shows from
my father's era. Most of all, there will be a lot of dancing in the audience!

MH: You've been involved with music most of your life. What's one or two best pieces of
advice you can give to anyone who is looking make it in the music business?

GH: Find something you're good at and stick to that! People enjoy a show when the performers
enjoy doing the show just as much. I've learned that the quality of my performance improved a lot
when I quit worrying about singing perfectly and just put my heart into it.

MH: You've reached a point in your life that you accomplish so much. What's the future look
like for Gina Haley?

GH: Well, my plan is to finish my degree in music and start teaching privately. I want to help other
musicians become well rounded performers. I will, of course, continue performing as long as
people want me around. I want to keep this great music alive and pass it on.

MH: Gina, it's been a huge honor talking with you. Thank you so much! Do you have any
last inspiring words for our audience?

GH: Do what you love and encourage others to do the same…especially on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGinaHaleyBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginahaleymusic/
Gina Haley “As Long As I'm Moving”: https://youtu.be/HzESYJFGvUo
The Jive Aces feat. Gina Haley "Shake, Rattle & Roll": https://youtu.be/Td0I3E9o-Cw