McKinley grew up 20 minutes outside of Boston - a place she envisioned herself being from early on. She began training as a singer, dancer and actress at 14, but was never extreme in her focus for one or the other. The dance company she studied and performed with kept her well rounded and allowed her frequent trips to Boston and NYC for auditions and commercial work. She began working with vocal coach while attending The Boston Conservatory of Music.
After college McKinley worked as a waitress, model, secretary, courier and anything else that would afford her rent in the city. She took advantage of city living by attending open mic nights and jam sessions. She took any and all vocal work available; commercials, demo recordings, weddings, at church in the gospel choir, Big Bands, Rock bands - any kind of band. Her natural capability to perform all styles of music made it easy to find work. A few guest appearances in larger venues (The House of Blues, Ryles Jazz Club) gave her the "singing-for-a-live-audience" fever and started her on a quest to appear as a headliner. It had become clear to those that had worked with McKinley, to her fans, and McKinley herself that Jazz was not only something she had a special knack for - she felt more passion for it than any other style of music.
A voice over for a locai car dealership lead to her first legitimate jazz gig - she was asked to sing the jingle "live" and follow with a night of jazz music at the dealer's showroom. McKinley enlisted help by hiring the best jazz musican's Boston had to offer to support her - from that point on, she would continue cultivating musical relationships that would strenthen her artistically. Dick Johnson (Artie Shaw Orchestra), Herb Pomeroy, Al Vega and a list of local legends - world class performers - all spent time with McKinley with a willingness to advise and educate the young singer. "Friendships like these are a gift - those gentlemen shared thier philosophies with me - they each taught me to trust my instincts". McKinley admits that the jazz form and the art of "improvisation" appeals to her. "I love the freedom that comes with singing jazz - although there is still a form to the music, it can move and bend - it all depends on what's inside the soul and how you happen to apply it".
When asked who her influences are, she answers with a surprising mix. "Dinah Washington, Anita O'Day, Miles Davis, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Cat Stevens, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson - even Elvis. Drawing from this diverse group, McKinley has developed a sound and style that is unique to her like leaves on a tree. Her soulful blend is simple, yet sophisticated - true and distinctive.
Cassandre was recognized as a "Jazz Diva" in Arts Around Boston Magazine - a term she only feels comfortable with because of the talented women included alongside her in the article; Rebecca Parris and Carol Sloan were among them.
Cassandre has just released her debut album under the MAXJAZZ label titled ”TIL TOMORROW - Remembering Marvin Gaye”. In this body of work, McKinley delivers her interpretation of selected music Gaye wrote, co-wrote and performed throughout his career. From inception to execution, McKinley's sensitivity to Gaye's message and her rich, warm sound combine to pull this project far, far away from the ordinary. Creating a genre that just fits between Jazz, Smooth Jazz and R & B, "Til Tomorrow" is a rich exploration into Nu-Jazz and Soul - focusing on the "soul".
"Making this album was like reading over old pages from my journals - it was a beautiful opportunity to see where it is I've been and then, take a moment to anticipate what may be ahead."
Pride and Joy
Cassandre McKinley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I just love you, little darlin'
Like a baby boy loves his toy
You've got kisses sweeter than honey
And I work every day to give you all I know
And that's why you're my pride and joy
And I'm tellin' the world
I believe I'm no (baby boy) baby boy (baby boy)
But I know you're mine (pride and joy)
My pride and joy (pride and joy)
Yeah baby (baby boy) Yeah baby (baby boy)
You, you are my pride and joy
And a love like mine, yeah baby
Is something nobody can ever destroy
You pick me up (pick me up) when I'm down (when I'm down)
And when we go out, pretty baby
You shake up the whole town (whole town)
And that's why (that's why)
I believe you're my (you're my) pride and joy (pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(baby boy)
(baby boy)
(Pride and joy) My pride and joy (pride and joy)
And I love you like a baby loves his toy (pride and joy)
The song "Pride and Joy" by Cassandre McKinley is a beautiful love song where the singer expresses her love and admiration towards her partner. The lyrics describe the depth of the bond between the two and how the singer considers her partner to be her pride and joy. She compares the love for her partner to the love that a baby has for his toy, emphasizing the purity and genuineness of the emotions involved. The singer admits to working hard every day to make her partner feel loved and cared for, and how her partner picks her up when she's feeling low. The singer's love for her partner is unbreakable, and she proclaims it to the world with pride.
The song is a classic example of a love song with a soulful touch. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and the instrumentation makes it all the more appealing to the senses. The song resonates with anyone who's been in love and experienced the sheer joy and sense of completeness that comes with it. The lyrics are a celebration of the deep connection between the two partners, and the love that binds them together.
Line by Line Meaning
You are my pride and joy
You are the source of my happiness and pride.
And I just love you, little darlin'
I simply adore you my love.
Like a baby boy loves his toy
I cherish you like a child treasures their favorite toy.
You've got kisses sweeter than honey
Your kisses are tender and delightful like sweet honey.
And I work every day to give you all I know
I strive every day to provide you with all my knowledge and skills.
And that's why you're my pride and joy
That is the reason why you are the one I treasure and hold dear.
And I'm tellin' the world
I am letting the world know.
You're my (pride and joy) pride and joy (pride and joy)
You are my pride and joy.
I believe I'm no (baby boy) baby boy (baby boy)
I may not be a child anymore but I love you just like one.
But I know you're mine (pride and joy)
But I am aware that you belong to me because you are my pride and joy.
My pride and joy (pride and joy)
You are my everything.
Yeah baby (baby boy) Yeah baby (baby boy)
Expressing excitement and affection.
You, you are my pride and joy
You are irreplaceable, and I am very proud and happy of you.
And a love like mine, Yeah baby
There is nothing like my love for you, my love.
Is something nobody can ever destroy
No one can ruin or take away what we have together.
You pick me up (pick me up) when I'm down (when I'm down)
You support and comfort me when I need it the most.
And when we go out, pretty baby
And when we are in public, my darling,
You shake up the whole town (whole town)
You make everyone notice us and our love, my baby.
And that's why (that's why)
Therefore,
I believe you're my (you're my) pride and joy (pride and joy)
I strongly feel that you are my pride and joy.
(Pride and joy)
Reiteration of their pride and joy relationship.
(baby boy)
Emphasizing the familiarity of their love.
My pride and joy (pride and joy)
Affirming that they are still each other's pride and joy.
And I love you like a baby loves his toy (pride and joy)
I love you with all my heart, just as a child loves their favorite toy.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: William Stevenson, Marvin Gaye, Norman Whitfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind