An Author and Her Music
Renée Watson speaks of her deep love for music, where it came from and how she uses it in her writing career.
WG: Tell us about your own experience with singing, whether in childhood or college years.
Renée: I grew up in a very musical family. My grandfather, who lived with us, played the piano and had a beautiful singing voice. He had an expansive collection of records, and I remember listening to his records and signing along with them, putting on shows in the living room. Once I was old enough to sing in the church choir, I joined the youth choir, and for the rest of my childhood through early college, I sang in the choir and on the praise team at church. In high school, I toured with a local nondenominational gospel choir. We sang at local events, but the best part was traveling to sing at concerts and special programs all throughout the United States and Canada.
I also attended a performing arts high school, and my focus was theater, so I did lots of musicals and still love a good Broadway score even now.
WG: How do you implement music into your daily life?
Renée: In the mornings, I listen to it as I get ready for the day. I usually play something inspirational, so I can ground myself for the day. When I’m walking through the city, I play something upbeat, and I always play music when I’m writing.
WG: Congratulations on one of your recent releases, WAYS TO SHARE JOY. What music artist do you think each of the characters listens to?
Renée: Ryan: Mary Mary
Ray: Wizkid & Lecrae
Grandma: Tasha Cobbs, CeCe Winans
Dad: Anything old school hip-hop & old school 90’s R&B
Mom: Jill Scott, India Arie
KiKi: SZA
Amanda: Doja Cat
WG: How does music play a part in your writing process?
Renée: Music keeps me focused. Playing music that goes along with the theme of the story really helps me connect with the emotional arc of the story and keeps me staying true to the character’s feelings and desires.
WG: In writing on Florence Mills, what inspired you most about her music career?
Renée: I was really drawn to Florence’s age. By the time she was seven years old, she was already singing and performing on renowned stages and refusing to do shows to segregated audiences. I knew right away that I wanted to share her story with young readers and encourage them to use their voices for something good, no matter their age.
WG: What is your favorite instrument to listen to, and why?
Renée: Oh, I can’t pick just one. The jazz lover in me is having a hard time with this one. I think it’s a tie between the trumpet (Miles Davis) and the saxophone (John Coltrane). I also think there’s nothing better than a drum solo.
WG: What is an ideal concert experience for you?
Renée: I love small, intimate venues.
WG: Who has put on one of the best concerts you have ever enjoyed in your life?
Renée: Gospel: Fred Hammond and R&B: Beyoncé .
WG: Which artist/music creative would you love to collaborate with, or write about?
Renée: I think Jazmine Sullivan would be a great person to collaborate with given the themes I write about. If Love Is a Revolution ever gets adapted for the screen, I’d love for her to work on the soundtrack. I’d love to work with Lauryn Hill if Piecing Me Together goes to the screen. I think she’d add so much texture to Jade’s story.
WG: We like to ask everyone this question about their faith and relationship with God so Renée, what does faith mean to you?
Renée: For me, faith means nothing without works. I often reflect on the scripture James 2:14-26, which talks about putting action behind our values and not merely talking about what we believe but showing what we believe by how we show up in the world, in real practical ways. The scripture says, Faith without works is dead, and I try to live my life that way.
WG: With this, how does God speak to you personally through music?
Renée: I look at gospel music as love letters—an exchange of promises, of deep admiration, of longing, of unspeakable joy. Sometimes God speaks to me, reminding me of his promises, bringing me comfort, and telling me to hold on. Sometimes, I speak to him, thanking him and reminding myself of what he’s already done, how he’s provided, and asking him to continue. Gospel anchors me and brings me back to a place of peace when life feels overwhelming.
WG: Speaking of gospel music, who is your favorite gospel artist and how do their lyrics speak to you?
Renée: Fred Hammond. His songs have been the soundtrack to some of the best and worst times in my life. His music always speaks directly to my heart. Urban Gospel is popular now, but 30+ years ago the idea of mixing the sounds of a gospel choir with urban music and worship music did not exist. I remember being in middle and high school listening to my cassette tapes of Commissioned and later my CDs of Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ—those songs felt so familiar but also new. They had the substance of the old hymns I grew up on, the beat and flavor of my generation’s music, and the depth of worship music with lyrics taken straight from scripture. Just brilliant. Not to mention, his skill at songwriting, playing instruments and singing. Fred Hammond is one of the only artists that I can play at a family gathering, and the young and old alike relate to and enjoy the songs.
Renée’s Fun Facts:
Favorite Netflix Guilty Pleasure: Love is Blind and Dead to Me
Favorite cartoon when you were a child: The Flintstones
Favorite Cereal: Steel Oat Oatmeal with brown sugar & butter
Favorite Tea: London Fog or a creamy, sweet chai
Genre for your morning: Gospel
Genre for your evening: R&B
Music to hype you up before events: Depending on the event, I’ll listen to my Lauryn Hill Playlist or Beyoncé. Two Favorite Artists You Love Currently: Samara Joy and Lizzo
Two songs you currently have on rotation: Free Mind by Tems and Goodness of God by Israel & New Breed with Cristabel Clack
As we are in the holiday season, Renee shared her favorite Christmas tunes and put them into a playlist for you, our readers, to enjoy! You can access the playlist here on Spotify. Thanks for listening and taking a moment with us to get to know our award-winning author friend!