God has a plan for every one of us. We have to keep working on our efforts and wait patiently for the fruitful results. For Marlana, god plan was clear; to soothe every human soul with her purest magical voice. When we hear young Marlana singing in her lovely voice, nobody can imagine that she is the same child who was not expected to live past her first year. She was born with Cytomegalovirus (CMV), by the time she was a few weeks old it was discovered that she was blind. With her talented voice, she has sung all over the United States at various events & churches. Marlana is a member of the Artist Music Guild where she was the 2015 recipient of the Youth Artist of the Year award. She also has appeared on various other shows such as Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight. We are proud of Marlana’s achievements and talent. Teresa, Marlana’s mother has answered on her behalf.

Can you tell us about your journey as a singer? What was the first song you sang in public?M: Marlana wasn’t expected to live after one year old, but God had other plans. Before she could talk she was humming “Jesus Loves Me.” Marlana started playing the piano at the age of two. We knew before she was a year old that music was her passion. By the age of two/three years old, we knew Marlana was going to be able to sing. Marlana was 6 years old when she did her first talent show singing “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” by Roberta Flack.
Starting at the age of 9, Marlana recorded 5 cd’s, but not professional ones. At the age of 18, she recorded her first professional CD called Do Right. She recorded it with the Artists Music Guild (AMG) where she is a member & a 3 time Hertiage award winner through the AMG. She started singing at different churches at the age of nine where she continues. We get calls all the time from people wanting her to sing. She has sung at many different places. Marlana sung the National Anthem at a University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball game in 2012. This was placed on YouTube and the video went viral. Recently this same video has went viral on Facebook with over 24 million views. Since then, CBS evening news aired her story, she has sung at a NASCAR Sprint Series Cup Race, and NBA basketball games. ESPN E60 aired a story about Marlana and the UK women’s basketball, NFL football games and many other events across the USA. Also she has done many other interviews.

What are the different types of genres that you sing? Which one is your favorite and why?M: Marlana can sing any genre of music & loves most all genres except when songs are bad or use bad language. Even though Marlana enjoys singing other genre music, her true passion is with Jesus singing the gospel & inspirational songs because she wants to inspire others & help get them to Jesus or get closer to Jesus.

Tell us your experience about singing the national anthem before Game 6 of the NBA Finals? What was the best compliment you got so far?M: For Marlana, Game 6 was just another game to her but she was really pumped up from the crowd being so loud & toward the end, the crowd sung the anthem with her & she was in shock because no one ever had done that but she continued & finished it.
I think the best compliment was that she sounds as good as Whitney. Also Marlana loved it when someone wrote a comment on one of her youtube video of the anthem that said “Eat your heart out Beyoncé”

Do you practice every day? If yes how long do you practice?M: No Marlana does not practice everyday & she never practices singing the anthem. She will practice when she’s learning a song or she’ll go over a song that she hasn’t sung in a long time if she is going to perform that song.

Can you tell us about your album "DO RIGHT”? What is the inspiration behind this album?M: The executive director of the AMG helped Marlana pick these songs because of her age, voice style, her character & attitude toward life. He also wrote or co-wrote most of the songs.

Who is your favorite singer? Did you ever sing his/her song in your performance?M: It is hard for Marlana to pick a favorite singer but some of her favorites include: Adele, Whitney Houston, LeAnn Rimes, Sandy Patty, Journey, Johnny & June Cash & Elvis Presley. Yes she has sung a song or several songs by each of these singers.

What are your other hobbies?M: Marlana is most always doing something with music in her free time. She loves writing parody’s, loves composing music, playing piano/keyboard, drum machines, synthesizers. She also loves looking up all kinds of music on YouTube. Marlana also loves swinging when its warm outside.

What is your favorite place to visit?M: Marlana loves to visit 2 places, churches, she loves meeting other people & talking to them about Jesus. And she loves music stores like the Guitar Center so she can explore the different music items.

What do you like to do when you are with your family?M: Marlana loves to play & sing for our family & act silly with all of us. She also enjoys staying in cabins in Pigeon Forge Tenn. for vacation & relaxation.

Any special message for our community?M: Marlana always tells people to never give up on their dream & always put Jesus first!!!