Speechless

I was always one of the "tall kids" growing up.

It had some advantages (I could help my 5'0" maw maw reach top-shelf pots by age 12).

But even though I took up more vertical space than the average American female, in most ways, I've always been a late bloomer.

I had no idea ​Kenny Washington​ was, too.

At 65, Washington (who happens to be about as tall as my maw maw was...) has had a long, illustrious career as a jazz vocalist. He's recorded with Wynton Marsalis and performed with Jazz at Lincoln Center. He's sung off-Broadway with Elvis Costello, toured the world with the U.S. Navy Band, and been a guest artist on numerous star-studded concerts and albums.

Yet he released his own FIRST album in 2024.

And he only just started teaching masterclasses.

I realized later that it was only fitting I selected a song that I STARTED working on 20+ years ago (and put away in frustration soon after) as the one to work on with him. And how, only now, do I feel like it's truly becoming my own.

I didn't see Kenny's full reaction to my performance until someone sent me this video.

Sometimes no words are necessary.

Kenny reminded me that "speechless" can speak volumes.

And my biggest learning: "Trust your gut. It knows the way."


With gratitude,
​
Ashley