Missy Anderson Live at Lorimar Loft

Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Queens, New York, Missy Andersen has been singing since her mother entered her in a child talent contest at age six. She practiced everyday with her mother, but for some reason the contest was canceled. The afternoon practice sessions stopped, but Missy was hooked from then on. “Singing would always be my friend and I would turn to it whenever I needed to express something I couldn't find the words to say,” says Missy.

Her parents had an extensive music collection that included lots of soul, R&B, blues, jazz, and gospel. Her favorite songs were always the ones that told a story. It wasn't always the most popular song on the album, but she would play them over and over. She listened to Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Staple Singers, Teddy Pendergrass and a host of others. And like many before her, Missy mimicked other singers until she found her own voice. Later she would discover Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn, and Billie Holiday and that eventually lead her to O.V. Wright, Bobby Bland, Little Milton, James Carr, Ray Charles, Ann Peebles, and Irma Thomas.

Missy began fronting bands in her early teens, playing local venues and eventually doing studio sessions as a background vocalist. She continued honing her skills and moved to San Diego, California where she met local blues man, Earl Thomas in the late 90’s. It was then that she became one of the original Juke Joint Jezebelles, a gospel, blues, and soul quartet, who provided backup vocals for Earl’s stage show. She played and toured with Earl for several years hitting festivals and venues in the U.S. and Europe. Earl Thomas and the Jezebelles shared the stage with Ray Charles, B.B. King, Robert Cray, John Hammond, Keb’ Mo’, Kenny Neal, and The Meters.