Hitting the high notesx
She’s shared the stage with some of the world’s best known singers. Here, we speak to Los Angeles Coordinator Marcellina Hawthorne to get the inside story on a star-studded career.
Performing in front of thousands of people may seem a daunting prospect, but it’s second nature to Marcellina Hawthorne, whose singing career has seen her work alongside the likes of Tom Jones and Natalie Cole.
Marcellina, who works as a Coordinator in our Los Angeles office, started singing professionally when she was in her late teens, launching a music career that would take her around the world.
Having teamed up with two friends to form the group Something Unique, she soon built a reputation for harmonies and hitting the high notes, leading to regular individual work as a backing singer for some of the industry’s leading stars.
She explains: “Singing is part of who I am. I’m extremely grateful for the gift God gave me. It has taken me to some amazing places and I’ve had some incredible experiences, sharing in the buzz of performing in front of huge crowds night after night.
“The downside was the constant travelling, living out of suitcases and hotel rooms. The music business can be pretty ugly at times, but I’ve been blessed to work with some great people.
“I also had the privilege of visiting countries in Europe and Asia that I’d never have got to see otherwise. It was an incredible time.”
Marcellina has worked with artists including Anita Baker, Tina Marie, Peabo Bryson and others, but she rates Tom Jones and Natalie Cole as her favorite artists to work with, both for their talent and personalities.
“Natalie was a really nice person who treated us really well,” she says. “Tom was a great guy and an awesome singer, plus we got to travel everywhere by private plane, which was an amazing experience.”
Over the years, Marcellina has sung on several best selling studio albums, but she says that nothing could compare to the feeling of performing live.
“A particular highlight was performing at the Hollywood Bowl as a backing singer for Natalie Cole,” she says. “Being in your home town knowing your friends were there to see and support you was extra special.”
In 1988, Marcellina adopted her daughter, Porcelynne, now 28. Concentrating on her responsibilities as a single mother, Marcellina swapped the unpredictability of the music industry for more regular, settled work and, having worked for another legal firm, she joined White & Case’s Human Resources team in 2007.
She says: “Of course I miss singing for a living, but this is a great place to work, with a good culture and lots of benefits. It’s like one big family here.
“I sing every week as part of the worship band at my local church and I’m truly grateful for where my voice has taken me.”
An advocate for children
Having herself adopted Porcelynne as a single parent, in 2013 Marcellina took up a voluntary position as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) – a role that involves being an advocate for children in foster care, helping ensure that their needs are met.
Marcellina says: “I decided to become an advocate after hearing about the need for volunteers to assist with the needs of the children in the system. It’s sad to know so many need help, but I know I can make a difference in a child’s life just by giving up a little of my time. It’s very rewarding.”
Her work recently won her recognition as radio station KNX’s Hero of the Week.
