I am a three Octave Singer/Vocalist/Lyricist/Poetess/Musician/Family Historian, the product of 2 wonderful parents that left me a world of wealth on many levels in life.

My mom was raised like a debutant.  Her parentage was from the South, and during my research, our research on our genealogy we were told that my great great grandmother Fanny Windham an enslaved, was purchased in South Carolina the first port for the enslaves from Africa to the U.S.  My great great is considered one of the exceptional women of the south, according to Mrs. Singleton-Prather a Southern Historian. 

Fanny was given a large amt of property, which has been passed down to us today and it has been in the family close to 100 yrs.  That huge Weeping Willow tree, that used to be in front of the back porch, was my first tree I have ever hugged.  Yes I am a tree hugger!!  Our family southern home is special to me, and one day after graduation, I dream to have it placed on the Historical Society List, in all of its splendor acreage.  I hold such wonderful childhood memories of this home.

Fanny Windham on my maternal side was the only enslaved, the rest of the family was not.  She was exceptional and raised exceptional daughters and they in turn, raised exceptional strong women leading to us today!!

 (It is most difficult when u are trying to avoid names)

My father was a shoeless prince.  His parentage, father was a quadroon a fisherman who worked every day in a crisp white shirt (now how many had that), and mother was African/Dominican who was taught husbandry and did well.  They were one of the first to have indoor plumbing in St. Thomas.

My great grandfather was son to the co-founder of Anegada BVI.  This co-founder, my great great grandfather was also one of the original brothers whom was given the title of British Gentleman (his oldest brother was given the grand title and lands), and my great grandmother was Isabella Penn a Quaker fourth cousin to William Penn.  Their union is historical due to the fact their marriage was interracial in the late 1800’s.  The marriage document can be found.  Her name is (orally told to me) on the publish family tree of the Penns’ located in Tortola BVI.

Kitty Harrigan and enslaved was freed along with others.  According to Stats report held in England, she and Benjamin Penn (brother to William Penn founder of Pennsylvania) the Great Comonoes were living together and raising their children and hers.  And none of them cultivated the land.  {Africana Studies courses I’ve learned, that mulattos, and those of light hue worked in the house.  But what I’ve realized is that Kitty Harrigan my ancestor and her children worked their own home.  It was her house.}  You have to read

“From the Field to the Legislature: A History of Women in the Virgin Islands” by Eugenia O’Neal. It explains not only the women of the Virgin Islands, but black women of the past all over the world, and their actions, and rationale. You will also find Kitty Harrigan's story.

It is a beautiful thing to understand, to be able to find yourself.

I must also mention my great great grandmother on my paternal side, Elizabeth Stout an enslaved from Africa.  She was a Watusi and according to what I’ve researched, the Watusi’s were the royal aristocrats of the African Nation.  And some would say ancestors of King Solomon.  I’ve mentioned to Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr, that I wish there was a way to test for DNA of King Haile Selassie. Her daughter married into a wealthy family, and he was the quadroon. 

Read Dr. Henry Louis Gates Book that mentions the Watusi Tribe.  My favorite book is “Bondswoman’s Narrative” Hannah Crafts, but the one book I want to understand is the “Signifying Monkey.”  I get it through vibes.  One of my professor’s in the Africana Studies Dept. at Drexel University concurred with me, that the “Signifying Monkey” would make an excellent course to be taught. 

Thank you for taking time to read my blog.

Peace & Light

Jasmine Semone’

I give Thanks to God, for all 0f my special gifts. He sent me a Music Angel= Kia Williams, Gene (Dookie Juice. & My Big Brother and strongest influence with music), Sean Savage (my Hero, and Friend) and in turn I found my voice &; music Fam. My style is my own, with the color of warm sexiness. Yet I have a flavor of Diva Nina Simone, Diva Sarah Vaughan, Diva Ella Fitzgerald, Diva Billie Holiday, Diva Bessie Smith. I admire Diva Dinah Washington, Ms. Nancy Wilson, Mr. Johnny Scott, Ms. Cassandra Wilson, Ms. Mary J. Blige, Ms. Erika Badu, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Ms. Jill Scott, Mr. Miles Davis, Mr. Noel Pointer, Mr. Eddie Palmieri, Mr. Pancho Sanchez, Mr. Bill Jolly for understanding our silent charm, and I Thank Mr. Walter Bell, who in his kindness lent me his shoulders when I wasn't strong. My Momma put my passions in my ear; Diva Phyllis Hyman (another music Angel, whose energy knew me so very well,(maybe we'll meet in another life)), Ms.Angela Bofil, Ms.Chaka Khan, Ms. Jean Carn, The Jones Girls, Ms. Barbra Streisand, Ms. Labelle who teaches the #1 cardinal rule for a singers, Ms. Stevie Nicks, Mr. Dexter Wansel, Mr. Norman Connors, Mr. Michael Henderson, Mr. Neil Diamond, Mr. Tom Browne, Mr. Ronnie Laws, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Funk Bands, and Mr. Teddy Pendergrass (Thank you for reminding me of my passions, the groove I grew up on), Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Peter Tosh. It soothes my soul listening to Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, Chopin, Clara Schumann, Purcell's 1st Aria, and Andrea Bocelli &; Sarah Brightman (Time To Say Goodbye)Con te partiro -the music/voices/pitches. Robin Thicke (whose tender sound reminds me of the ocean). I also enjoy singing the Arias. .  Lady GaGa is all that! And most of all, I'll not ever 4get living in London, England...

I remember when I was a teenager, and my parents were strong believers in being patrons of the Arts in Philly.

One of my 1st music concerts was seeing T.P. for New Yrs., with my parents.  The impression he left me, 1) watching my mom and all the other women in the audience sway with awe.  2) I remember seeing this strong, black, male vocalist, move so smooth, debonair, suave, not only in body movements, but the voice itself.

My first view of a sexy black man...lol

I thank my mama for being a strong music fan!