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."
Trouble Man
Cassandre McKinley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I didn't make it sugar, playin' by the rules
I come up hard baby, but now I'm fine
I'm checkin' trouble sugar, movin' down the line
I come up hard baby, but that's okay
'Cause trouble man, don't get in my way
I come up hard baby, I've been for real
Gonna keep movin', gonna go to town
There's only three things that for sure
Taxes, death and trouble
This I know, baby
This I know, sugar
Girl, I ain't gon' let it sweat me, baby
Got me singin'
Yeah , yeah, whoa
I come up hard,
I've had to fight
Take care of my business,
With all my might
I come up hard, I had to win
Then start all over, and win again
I come up hard, but that's okay
'Cause trouble man
Don't get in my way
I know some places and I've seen some faces
I've got good connections they dig in my directions
What people say that's okay
They don't bother me
Ready to make it, don't fool with no women
Don't care 'bout no trouble got myself together
I feel a kind of protection is all around me
This I know baby
Girl, I ain't gonna let it sweat me, baby
I come up hard, but now I'm cool
I didn't make it sugar, playin' by the rules
I come up hard baby, but now I'm fine
I'm checkin' trouble sugar
Movin' down the line
In the song "Trouble Man", Cassandre McKinley is reflecting on her journey to becoming successful despite the obstacles she faced. She acknowledges that she had a difficult start in life, but now she's "cool" and "fine". She has had to fight and take care of her business with all her might, but she did it anyways. She's learned that there are only three things certain in life: taxes, death, and trouble. However, she's not going to let trouble get in her way. She speaks of her confidence in herself and her ability to handle whatever comes her way. McKinley is determined to keep moving and going to town despite what people may say or think of her.
What is particularly interesting about the lyrics is the message of resilience and determination that McKinley conveys through her words. She shows that no matter how hard life may get or how many obstacles she may face, she is strong enough to overcome them. She's not letting herself be consumed by fear or worry; instead, she's focusing on what she can control and keeping it moving. The lyrics also highlight the importance of self-confidence and self-assuredness. McKinley knows who she is, and she's not going to let anyone or anything get in the way of her success.
Line by Line Meaning
I come up hard baby, but now I'm cool
I had a tough upbringing, but I've overcome it and I'm doing well now
I didn't make it sugar, playin' by the rules
I didn't achieve success by following conventional paths
I come up hard baby, but now I'm fine
Despite my difficult past, I'm doing well today
I'm checkin' trouble sugar, movin' down the line
I'm aware of potential problems, but I'm moving forward anyway
I come up hard baby, but that's okay
My tough background doesn't hold me back, in fact, it's helped me grow stronger
'Cause trouble man, don't get in my way
I won't let obstacles stop me from achieving my goals
I come up hard baby, I've been for real
I've had a challenging life, but I'm authentic and genuine
Gonna keep movin', gonna go to town
I'm always pushing forward and striving for more
I come up hard baby, I'm gettin' down
I've had a tough life, but I'm not letting it hold me back
There's only three things that for sure
There are only three things in life that are certain
Taxes, death and trouble
The three certain things in life are taxes, death, and problems
Girl, I ain't gon' let it sweat me, baby
I won't let life's difficulties get to me
Got me singin'
I'm feeling good despite my challenges
I've had to fight
I've had to struggle and work hard to get where I am
Take care of my business, with all my might
I work hard and take care of responsibilities with all my effort
I had to win, then start all over, and win again
I've faced challenges and setbacks but have persevered and come out on top
I know some places and I've seen some faces
I'm well-traveled and have met many different people
I've got good connections they dig in my directions
I've built up a network of supportive people who believe in me
What people say that's okay, they don't bother me
I don't let others' opinions affect me
Ready to make it, don't fool with no women
I'm focused on my goals and not interested in distractions
Don't care 'bout no trouble got myself together
I'm not bothered by problems and I've got my life in order
I feel a kind of protection is all around me
I have a sense of safety and security in my life
I come up hard, but now I'm cool
I've overcome challenges and I'm doing well now
I'm checkin' trouble sugar, movin' down the line
I'm aware of potential problems, but I won't let them stop me from moving forward
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marvin Gaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind