​​Clazzical Notes will observe Black History Month with a tribute to an icon of our era:  Maya Angelou.
 
An unremarkable beginning of a life would seemingly shape the destiny of Marguerite Johnson.  Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1928, she experienced all the unfortunate challenges of too many Black families:  poverty, her parents’ divorce, relocation to her grandmother’s house, and a brutal rape followed by personal trauma and an aftermath leading to five years of absolute silence.

​Natalie may be considered a phenom in the world of today's music culture. Her musical experience began during her childhood years as she and her five sisters sang as “The Cadet Sisters”. She was blessed as a child prodigy with the ability to not only sing, but also, she played piano by ear before receiving formal training.  After nurturing her God given skills, She catapulted herself, through sheer desire  and love for music, to attain a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance and  Pedagogy from Oakwood University in Boston; she also received a Master's  degree in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory.  
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She made her imprint on the music world in 2016 by releasing her solo debut album entitled My Journey. The album showcased her rich vocal range with an influence of jazz, pop, and r&b song selections. Most recently she has written and released several singles that can be found on Google and other streaming services. Those projects have involved Natalie with her skilled writing, singing, producing and her ability to do song arrangements.