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DTPR SEPTEMBER THROUGH OCTOBER 2025 / COVER STORY
In college, she pursued vocal training and joined the
university gospel choir, deepening her natural gift. Her
influences ranged widely—Aretha Franklin, Whitney
Houston, Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn,
and Charley Pride among them—but perhaps the most
powerful influence was her mother, whose unwavering
love and encouragement remained the compass for
her journey.
Reba has such strength and power in her voice. Patsy
was soulful, bluesy, and had a unique country sound…
Loretta Lynn has an authentic sweet country voice I
truly believe is an extension of her personality…my
mother is my earthly spiritual partner. She has guided
me through almost every challenge in my life and in
the pursuit of my dreams.”
Stepping onto the National Stage
Rhonda’s first national spotlight came in 1994 with a performance on Ed McMahon’s Star
Search. For many, this would have been the pinnacle. For Rhonda, it was just the beginning.
Nashville soon beckoned, and with it came the challenge of finding her place in a genre that
had not always been welcoming to women of color.
Rhonda immediately started establishing herself within the country music community in Nashville
as a country music artist after appearing on Ed McMahon’s Star Search. She soon attracted the
attention of producer Norro Wilson (Kenny Chesney/Reba McEntire/Sara Evans/Shania Twain)
after sending in a demo of cover tunes to the A&R Department of Mercury Records.”
In an almost cinematic moment, she auditioned for Wilson without a demo tape, instead pulling
out a karaoke machine and singing Lorrie Morgan’s “A Picture of Me Without You.” Wilson was
so moved that he agreed to produce tracks for her—songs that would become the backbone
of her early career, including “Slow Rain” and “Plenty More Love.”
Photography by: Ken Ross Photography