Album Notes

Martha High was born in Victoria, Virginia and raised in Washington, DC. While attending high school Ms. High joined “The Jewels”, a Washington, DC based female singing group. “The Jewels” caught the ears and eyes of James Brown and soon became the opening act for his shows traveling extensively with his revue. Their first album debut with James Brown was in 1967. Mr. Brown recorded and released several records featuring “The Jewels” prior to their breakup. However, Ms. High stayed with Mr. Brown for 32 years as the leader and member of Mr. Brown’s background vocal groups - “The Soul Twins”, Martha And The Honeybees” Martha and the Lazers”, and “The Bittersweet”.
In 2000 Ms. High left the James Brown Band to pursue a solo career. The experience, knowledge and wisdom she gained from Mr. Brown inspired Martha to write lyrics and produce her first song “It’s Hustle Time (I’m Not Braggin’)”. She would later release a blues CD entitled “Martha High live at Quais Du Blues” to rave reviews and SOLD-OUT performances in Europe, Japan, France and South America. Martha’s debut performance as the featured vocalist with the Maceo Parker Band was held during the Funk Blast 2000 at the Experience Music Project’s Grand Opening and Gala Celebration at the Key Arena in Seattle Washington. Patrick McDonald of the Seattle Times wrote of Ms. High’s performance “The packed arena welcomed the beautifully elegant and talented Ms. High with thunderous applause and a standing ovation fit for a star. “If this is a glimpse of what’s to come, we’re all in for a real treat!” Her latest single is entitled “The Big Payback” and is Ms. High’s tribute to The Godfather of Soul Mr. James Brown.