In the music world she is known as Jus’ Cynthia. This soulful, vibrant, jazzy vocalist is certain to soothe the soul and bring a sense of well being to those who hears her. She connects with the audience with her warm and friendly personality, she invites them along with her bright smile and she keeps them there with her heart felt style of music.
This native Floridian credits her family for their musical influences, then later received former training from Bethune-Cookman College, in Daytona Beach, Florida. October Road is the first of many professional bands that Jus’ Cynthia performed with. That road has taken her to places, people, and experiences worth singing and writing about. Places like the US and British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, London, Rome, Paris, Switzerland, Bangkok, Manila and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Jon Lucien is the producer of her debut CD, LOVE GLOW. He says, “Cynthia has a voice of beauty that encompasses styles of the past, present and future, as well as a wonderful songwriter… The CD highlights the essential beauty of her vocal abilities and a long career. Enjoy the journey of LOVE GLOW.” This collection of songs is infused with the famous, Jon Lucien flare that will make you want to fall in love all over again. Jus’ Cynthia adds her smooth signature flavor to several cover songs, such as LIVING FOR THE LOVE OF YOU, TIME AFTER TIME, GET HERE, 100 WAYS, and THE NEARNESS OF YOU. It is also her debut as a songwriter, with a touching ballad, THE EYES; a mellow samba, THE COLOR OF LOVE IS YOU; and the lively title cut, LOVE GLOW.
PROMISES FROM THE PALMETTO BUSH, the Genesis of Carver Ranches is a historical and pictorial documentary based on the interviews of 43 pioneer families that moved to this under developed land in the 1940s. For whatever reason, the white owners sold property in Carver Ranches to Negroes only. This written oral history of those early settlers speaks of the struggle, challenges and racism which is overpowered by faith, hope, determination and togetherness.
In 2012, Cynthia’s made her debut as a playwright with the historical-musical play, Their Story is Our Story (Part One). This play was partly based on the above book, Promises from the Palmetto Bush. After three performances, the public still asked for more. Stay tuned for a repeat performance in late 2014 and part two in 2015.
Stage Manager, Judith Harvey Ramnauth was so inspired by this production, she commissioned Cynthia to write a historical-musical play about her hometown, Lincoln Heights, Ohio. 'Then Came Lincoln Heights, Ohio' debut performance was sold out, This crowd pleasing, standing ovation event that took place August 30-31, 2013 at St. Simon Episcopal Church in Lincoln Heights, Ohio. Another play, From Delinquent to Disciple is in the developing stage for 2014/2015.
Her production of 'A Tribute to Nina Simone' put another feather in her cap. The finale song, I Sing Just to Know That I'm Alive', brought the audience to their feet. Dancing to the calypso beat and the steel pan rhythm was a great ending to a great show.
Shirley Horn sang these lyrics, ...all you give is all you get, so give it all you got.