Interview with Jully Black, Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul

Canadian Stage interviews Jully Black

We’re thrilled to present Jully Black, ‘Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul’, at Canadian Stage’s inaugural Dream in High Park Summer Music Festival.  

Before she graces us with her powerhouse vocals at the High Park Amphitheatre stage, learn more about Jully Black, her hilarious personality and love of people. In this edition of CS Grid, we sat down with Jully to hear about some of the people who give her strength and inspire her, and she shares a personal message to her die-hard fans and soon-to-be Jully Black music lovers.   

See JULLY BLACK Live - JULY 9

Music has been my medicine; music has been my ointment, my homie, my lover and my friend.  Music has been my guide, my therapist, it has been the thing that has helped to guide me in so many ways.

So, tell us - Who is Jully Black? 

Jully Black is the daughter of Agatha and Lloyd Gordon.  Jully Black is an empath.  I am a sibling to seven others.  I am a friend, a neighbour, I'm an aunt to 18 nieces and nephews, I am a person who knows how to sing, write, speak, and dance very well!  I am a fitness enthusiast, I am an activist, a philanthropist, a humanitarian, a woman of the Christian faith.  I am a game-changer and a history maker, but most importantly, I am a spirit having a human experience. 

How has music inspired you through the years? 
 
Music has been my medicine; music has been my ointment, my homie, my lover and my friend.  Music has been my guide, my therapist, it has been the thing that has helped to guide me in so many ways. 

Can you tell us what ‘Half Empty’ is about and the message you want to share to listeners? 

Half Empty is about a woman who has reached the end of her line of patience in her relationship. She has given all that she has left to give.  Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically.  She is all the things her mother taught her to do and be; domestic, submissive, traditional, committed, monogamous and yet it still wasn't enough.  So, this is her benediction...letting her man, husband, boyfriend, partner know that 'this is how I've been feeling'.  

Now, in the video there's a spin, and he's actually leaving her, and that's why she's so shocked - because she stayed a day too long - literally being half empty.  Half of empty is the worst place that you could be. So, the message to listeners is to really be open and honest with your feelings; it's okay to be raw and real, to express yourself, and to not be afraid to pick up the pieces where you are and find peace from the broken pieces. 

...be open and honest with your feelings; it's okay to be raw and real, to express yourself, and to not be afraid to pick up the pieces where you are and find peace from the broken pieces.

Are there any musicians who inspire you? 

The people who've inspired me musically are D'Angelo, Lauren Hill, Bob Marley, Etta James, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Beyonce; new artists like H.E.R, Jasmine Sullivan, Fantasia, Muni Long, and the list goes on! 

What kind of music can audiences expect to hear at the music event? 

Audiences can expect to hear all of what inspires me, from R&B to Reggae, to Hip Hop to Dance, to Gospel - they can expect to hear it all - and expect to have a good time; that's what's most important! 

Are you excited to be performing outdoors at High Park Amphitheatre surrounded by nature? 

Yes, I'm extremely excited to be performing outdoors at High Park Amphitheatre - it's going to be great!  It's very nostalgic for me; it feels like classic Toronto when I first started my career when I was performing at Molson Amphitheatre opening for Usher and 50 Cent and Jay-Z, but it's nice to be on a stage singing my own songs because back then I was singing all covers. 

Any last words to your fans and soon-to-be Jully Black music lovers?   

If you haven't heard my music, then YES, thank you for jumping on board!  I'm happy that you are now in tune and are getting to know me through my music.  To my die-hard loyal fans, thank you so much for the 29 years (yes, I started when I was 2 years old in this business!).  Just kidding!  Thank you.  My gratitude is unmatched, I think!  I say that because I'm living life through my own lens.  I love you all!  See you on July 9th! 

Xoxo Jully 

So. What are you waiting for? Join us for one unforgettable night of R&B to Reggae, to Hip Hop to Dance, to Gospel, and have an amazing time.

One Night Only!