Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlyce Simmons.
Hi Charlyce, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born in Orlando FL October 1979 to Edward and Carolyn Thomas who were the Pastors of El Bethel Temple at Orlando by the time I was three they quickly realized I had an amazing talent and ear for music. I grew up singing and participated in several local musical groups around town. Once I reached high school and began to fall ill. I was soon rushed to the ER at the doctor’s command and found to be in chronic renal failure. Soon after blood transfusions and Dialysis Treatments began. I stayed on Dialysis for the remainder of my time in high school and soon after I graduated, I received a Kidney Transplant on March 7, 1999. The transplant worked well, and then I began to experience severe joint pain in the hip area. Went to an orthopedic surgeon, and he began to explain the steroids I had to take to keep my Transplant working well were stopping the blood flow to the hip area, and this resulted in me now needing a total hip replacement. I am now 21 years old and, in nursing, /rehab recovering from a hip replacement, and starting to question my future. After months of recovery, I began to feel better and get back to work and my previous activities. I meet my now husband in 2001 at church, we began to talk and got married on March 8, 2003.
Soon after we recorded my first EP, I Got You. In 2009 I went to Sunday’s Best and made the top 30, but when I returned home on January 22, 2009, I suffered a brain hemorrhage while driving my stepson’s son to school. I have rushed to the ER again, with paralysis on my left side from the shoulder down. After a year of recovery, I was back up and fully functioning again. Thankful and ready to walk in my calling I released another CD and an autobiography entitled “All of Me” My journey to yes!
Through the years my husband and I have started our company Simmons Enterprise LLC and my music falls under that company along with our Electrical, 360 photo booth, BBQ sauce, and catering services. We are so thankful to be able to serve our local community. Currently, I volunteer with OurLegacy FL, raising awareness about organ and tissue donation 💙 and I am back on Dailysis awaiting my second Kidney Transplant. I also released another CD in 2015 “Essence of Charlyce ” and began doing an Anita Baker tribute show earlier this year. W I’ll begin working on my 5th CD later this year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, mostly health struggles, but God has been with me every step of the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer, author, and inspirational speaker. I have 4 CDs, and 1 book. I am known for my jazzy, neo-soul tone and vocal ability. My tone sets me apart, it is very unique!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charlycemusic.com
- Instagram: @Charlycesimmons
- Facebook: Facebook.com/charlycesimmons
- Twitter: @charlycemusic
- Youtube: Youtube.com/charlycemusic
Image Credits
David Dayve Stewart
