From Vegas Showgirl to Soul Singer: Markey Blue's Evolution
The Living the Dream podcast recently featured an extraordinary conversation with Markey Blue, a multifaceted artist whose career spans several entertainment disciplines. Her journey from Las Vegas showgirl to acclaimed singer-songwriter offers profound insights into creative persistence and artistic evolution that can inspire anyone facing career transitions or seeking to pursue their passions.
Markey's story begins in the glittering world of Las Vegas, where she worked as a showgirl while still wearing braces and attending UNLV as a freshman. Contrary to Hollywood depictions, she describes the showgirl life as a demanding profession requiring tremendous discipline – two shows a night, six nights a week, all while maintaining a full college schedule. This early experience taught her valuable lessons about professional commitment and the ephemeral nature of certain careers, noting how she witnessed 30-year-old dancers receiving pink slips for being "too old." This realization prompted her first major career pivot into stand-up comedy, where she developed impressions that eventually led to her singing career.
The podcast reveals fascinating connections between Markey and music industry legends. She shares stories about working with Steve Cropper, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind classics like "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" and "Soul Man." This relationship began when Cropper, impressed after hearing Markey perform, invited her to his studio to re-record vocals on one of her tracks. This mentorship highlights the importance of unexpected connections in the music industry and how validation from established artists can provide both confidence and opportunities for emerging talents.
Markey's musical influences showcase her deep appreciation for soul, blues, and R&B traditions. She cites Ann Peebles, Mavis Staples, and the entire Stax Records catalog as formative influences on her sound. These references reveal her artistic lineage and explain the rich, soulful quality evident in her current work. Her latest projects represent a departure from her blues background, moving toward more layered vocal arrangements with elements of pop and R&B. This evolution demonstrates her willingness to explore new artistic territories while honoring her musical roots.
The conversation takes a poignant turn when Markey discusses her husband's brain injury, which forced significant adaptations in both her personal and professional life. This challenge led to her producing music independently for the first time and collaborating with new musicians, including legends like Eugene Moles (who played with Buck Owens and Waylon Jennings) and Mark T. Jordan (who played on "Midnight at the Oasis"). Her resilience in the face of personal hardship showcases the therapeutic power of creative work and the importance of adapting to life's unexpected challenges.
Markey's work as a producer for other artists adds another dimension to her musical identity. She mentions her current projects with an Americana artist and a Christian reggae performer, revealing her versatility across genres and her generosity in helping others realize their artistic visions. This aspect of her career demonstrates how experienced artists can share their knowledge and skills to nurture emerging talents, creating a virtuous cycle of mentorship in the music community.
