ATLANTA --
In tribute of the contributions and resiliency of women during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cultural Ambassador Myrna Clayton is releasing her digital single “You Are Beautiful” during Women’s History Month, to underscore the essential benefit of music -- and the “essential work” of those who bring an “experience” to others through music.
“It is the beauty that is womanhood. It is charm that is femininity. It is strength of joy that is streamed through the xx chromosomes that are female. It is this power that resides in the system that incubates humanity. Down through the ages -- from the beginning of time -- we are beautiful.”
The tribute song released by Myrna’s CedarTree Worldwide, LLC is a delightful hybrid of soulful jazz, resolute gospel, and soft melodic progressions, with simple yet poignant lyrics (“Has anybody told you -- you are beautiful”). The “speaker-singer” in the song can be envisioned as a mother speaking to her daughter -- or a mentor encouraging a mentee -- or even from a higher source. The musical message of “You Are Beautiful” contains elements of a lullaby, love song -- and affirming spiritual anthem.
Myrna’s intention for the Women’s History Month song with its uplifting lyrics set against a silky instrumental background is that it will bring a sense of joyful confidence to the listener - or, in her words, a “harmonious blend that reaches to the ether”. The cover image for the digital single portrays three generations of women: Myrna, her mother Minnie, and her daughter Maia -- the "M-empire".
Emerging as a musical cultural ambassador who has toured with her band, “The Myrna Clayton Experience” under the auspices of the U.S. State Department, Myrna has performed throughout Eastern Europe, Namibia, and Guatemala. As a solo artist, Myrna has performed in 17 cities throughout the country of Russia (with Russian musicians) as well as Nigeria, Great Britain, France, and Germany.
Myrna is committed to the “oneness” of connection that seems to happen naturally for audiences during her performances and recordings. This, Myrna asserts, is a vital element of what has musicians/artists worthy to fit in what she terms a special category of “essential workers” within cultures and nations worldwide.
“Even as far back as the biblical story of Young David and King Saul, David is described as soothing the mind of Saul, to heal the King through his[David's] music. In the 21st century, our research confirms this, that music, the arts, have ways of ‘healing’ us. There is no question in my mind, as a singer, I am ‘essential’. How can we consider arts and entertainment as ‘non-essential’? These qualities for public good are what determine a nation's true culture, true character.”
Myrna’s aim is to nurture a network where the essentiality of musical performers and other performing artists is advanced, especially as societies around the world transition into the next phases of confronting the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is my hope that this song reminds everyone who was born of a mother, that it is the resilience of their mother's essence, regardless of her uniqueness, that make women beautiful worldwide. All I ask is that we remind ladies of all ages and all abilities, in spirit and in person, that they are beautiful.”
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