THE LATINA WITH THE MASTER PLAN YOU BEST REMEMBER MARLA G
Well tell us about your beginnings or better yet your youth?
Where to start….well I was born in Puerto Rico (Santurce), parents were from Rio Piedras but grew up in Carolina (Puerto Rico). I can recollect a wonderful and blessed life in P.R. as my stepfather was a pilot and worked as a regional manager at a casino as well. We lived a very comfortable, upper middle class life. Things changed in my later years as my mother divorced and we went from a comfortable life in P.R. to leaving the Island and coming to the U.S. We settled of all places, in the South Bronx in 1977 (a month after the now famous N.Y.C. blackout).
I was lost, or may I say in culture shock. The change really took me by surprise and took some getting used to. I also had to learn a language that I wasn't familiar with although many around me were of latin cultures, the english language was foreign to me. I went from Yolandita Monge and La Lupe to Donna Summers and The Village People (she laughs). The city had a serial killer on the loose (Son Of Sam) and you know what the South Bronx looked like back then. It was a wasteland. We made best of the situation and I adapted as best I could.
The one thing that I understood and made sense to me was music, so I embellished myself in it. Music became my therapy and my great escape from the everyday. It was the only language that I had and understood as I was going through the language barrier from Spanish to English. The Bronx would later be the center of a movement that would take the city by storm…….it would be called hip-hop and later enveloped into a dance music scene as dance music came around like wildfire. This would be my opportunity to live my love for music and soak in the knowledge that God blessed me with…which is the gift of song.
MARLA G.
The only time I felt like this was just before a big game when I played with Sazon Goya in the Central Park baseball league as a young teen.
The many hit and misses to get this interview underway became very draining as if it was meant to happen decades prior but finally here we were and no more delays.
I set up with a movie theatre like mentality as the popcorn is popping and my bustelo coffee is perking.
She answers my call by telling me that she’s cleaning but settles in as well with her own theatre delite (gourmet coffee).
The years of experience and memories would take us back to a time and place like no other, as if we were in that era and never left.
Marla Ivette Melendez would count her blessings and through out conversation she would calm my nerves down to an "exhibition game" making me feel like family.
She would make this the night that Unidos Magazine stood still.
This is my exclusive one on one with the woman who over the years has kept it all together.
Her name is Marla Ivette Melendez but you better call her
MARLA G.!!!--->by John Rosario
Exclusively on Unidos Magazine.
I start with “May I” as she giggles and responds “yes you may”
How do you feel about the business in general today?
It has become a lot more competitive. It is not about a pretty face and a so-so voice anymore. You really have to bring your "A" game and have a passion for music. It’s not a get rich quick scheme. Records are not sold that easy and it’s not for the weak of mind. They just don’t package like they used to anymore and todays economy doesn’t help at all. You really have to educate yourself as talent becomes more youthful and developed. It now comes from the cashier at the supermarket to the city bus driver. Get educated and learn the business because this business will also spit you out like "there's no more sugar on that gum" type deal.
What was your first encounter with music?
Oh!…this would take place in elementary school P.S.25 in the Bronx (6th grade) in a solo talent show, then it spiraled into Lehman H.S…..I’ll never forget I sang “Evergreen” by Barbra Streisand which led to a standing ovation. What stands out in my mind is that an old man came up to me following that performance and handed me some papers (to find out what's in the papers, visit MARLA G.'s fan page by clicking the link at the bottom of this page) and gave me much accolades. That night I was determined to make this gift my career.
What was your first record deal?
My official record deal was with Two Ton Records (Love Me Baby)..
Actually, I had a demo before that. I was offered a record deal prior to Two Ton Records. They wanted me to sign a 5 year contract but I refused to be tied down that long and can you believe that my song was still put out without my consent even though I owned the copyright to it. (song was called “Take Me away”) It later helped me get pressed on vinyl, but that was my first experience as an artist which gave me the exposure I needed.
I then received a scholarship through the Daily News and used it for singing lessons which led to singing at The Waldorf Astoria, Statue of Liberty and Lincoln Center as a member of The All City High School Chorus, etc… giving me experience that put me in the forefront. Shortly after I was invited on several auditions which build confidence. It was also the time that clubs would only let you perform if you had a record deal. I also recently re released "Take Me Away" with a brand new production by Freddie The Edit Rivera and gave it to my fans as a gift for their support through out the years.
I would follow this first recording with another written project, a single called “Love Me Baby” (written by Marla I. Melendez & Frank Garcia) which would allow me to touch, for the first time a fan base. So in came Frank & Ruben and they would become my mentors and guide my career.
Years later, I took a long break from the music scene and relocated to Florida. I moved two houses down from my mom & stepdad, yess!!!,... my mom and my stepdad reunited 18yrs. later after being divorced and are now happily married.. I know you asked how am I connected to Spanish Harlem and I just wanted to let you know that as I was growing up, I spent a lot of time on 102nd street right by the 23rd precinct. One of my best friends Maria Torres lived in El Barrio and I loved the great passion of latinos and music, I would feel right at home in Spanish Harlem, so I was often there.
Fast forward to the 90’s, Eddie Davis (from Hanson & Davis) would produce my second single “Love Me Baby” and I would later come across Lisa Lisa, who at the time was working with a band and asked me if I would be interested in doing background vocals for her along with Sinoa from the group Seduction. Of course, honored I said yes.
Meeting Lisa would put me singing background vocals with the band and later would have me do some background singing for her on several tracks of her LL77 solo debut album, as well as doing translations on songs. We became great friends and develop a mutual friendship and respect for one another till today. Actually, I was recently interviewed to be a part of Lisa Lisa's Unsung cast of her life.
Marla G. with the great Hector Camacho
Do you feel that the Freestyle genre caught a bad break within the industry?
Yes and I'll explain why. Back then many of us couldn’t see it but today we understand what happened because we are now adults and have learned about the music business throughout the years. It was bound to happen like Do-Wop in the 50’s, Motown in the 60’s and Disco in the 70’s……when you are a young inexperienced kid (which is what we were) signing a record deal was the ultimate and performing was a dream come true. As far as the money side of the industry, we had no clue on how that worked (or at least 95% didn’t). Then you put greedy promoters, record label owners and producers to puppet the whole game finishing it by locking down the dance market. The outcome was the same result over and over again, especially when artists and managers became irrational and divided. If there was unity and sincerity, who knows how things would had turned out. But today we will never know.
What do you enjoy?
Shopping…..oh and spending time with my friends (new & old)
What are your dislikes?
I hate ironing and do not own an iron (we both laugh) seriously, all
my clothes I purchase are the ones that need no ironing .
Throw back pic of Marla G. with Lisa Lisa and band
*SPEED ROUND*
Favorite color? Baby Blue Favorite food? Everything except pernil (pork) Favorite T.V. program? then - Facts Of Life, now -The Walking Dead Favorite Dream vacation spot? Greece Favorite Singer? male - Luther Vandros, female - Barbara Streisand /Donna Summers, group - Commodores /Air Supply Favorite recorded song that you sang? “Take Me Away” Favorite mid-night snack? Anything w/ chocolate If you were in a foxhole (at war) who would you want and trust by your side? God
What are you doing today?
Still recording and planning my re-release of “Love Me Baby” (DUE TO BE RELEASED ON CHRISTMAS DAY 2012) , ……..I am working on an album with kick a@@ producer Freddy ”The Edit” Rivera. I’ve been working with several recording artists and continue to write passionately.
Any hobbies?
Yesss!!! I enjoy traveling a lot and spending quality time with my besties.
What are the future plans ……anything in the works for Marla G.?
I plan to continue performing as Giggles (keeping the fan base alive) via Charlie Rock Productions and getting Marla G underway, pray to branch out and explore other avenues as well.
Any shout outs?
Let’s see……My son Cristian, Shannon (my girl), Lisa Lisa (mi hermana), as well as Fascination *Elsie* (my bestie). My record label DIGITAL GENESIS MUSIC, my producer and friend Freddy"The Edit" Rivera, Marcela Olivar from Powerhouse Bombshells, DJ Lexx of Legends Of Freestyle (he named his daughter after me), Wepa.FM, Herb Segarra, Jose Marrero of JM Photography (Miami), all dj's that have supported me throughout my career, my brother ROKK, his band Element of Surprize, Richie, Ruben, George, Kevin, Mary, my sisters Diana & Lidy, brothers Albert & Ricky, Tino RIP, my mom & dad, my family and friends (too many to mention ) Barbra, Maria Torres (my best friend from Spanish Harlem), Gigi, Brenda, Cecile, Magdalia, Pastor Frances, all my girls, they know who they are as well as the many fans that continue to support and love my music.. a big hug, kiss to the Unidos Magazine Family !!! promise to continue on my musical journey as long as it doesn’t affect my relationship with God.
Well with that said in conclusion, we can solidify that you aren’t going to hang up your microphone any time soon.
Best of God’s blessings & may the unidos force be with you .
Go get’em girl!!!!
MARLA G -CLUB REINASSANCE MIAMI, FL NOVEMBER 30TH
GIGGLES -FEB 2ND IN CONNECTICUT, FEB 16 BANK UNITED CENTER IN MIAMI, FL... IN MARCH, BRONX, NY AND SAN ANTONIO, TX (DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED)//GO TO THE MARLA G. FAN PAGE FOR FUTURE UPDATES
THE LATINA WITH THE MASTER
PLAN YOU BEST REMEMBER
MARLA G -CLUB REINASSANCE MIAMI, FL NOVEMBER 30TH
GIGGLES -FEB 2ND IN CONNECTICUT, FEB 16 BANK UNITED CENTER IN MIAMI, FL... IN MARCH, BRONX, NY AND SAN ANTONIO, TX (DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED)//GO TO THE MARLA G. FAN PAGE FOR FUTURE UPDATES