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."
You're the One for Me
Cassandre McKinley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just suppose I can love you from the every start, maybe
Heaven knows I could show you with an open heart, baby
You're the one that I've been waiting for, in this loneliness forevermore
Baby, I know you're the one for me
Can it be that you're needing me as I need you, can't be
What was me if we parted and I never knew, funny
That some day you'll come to me and say
Baby, I know you're the one for me
Love is strong and I'm betting it will come my way gladly
If I'm wrong and mistaken that I'll have to pay sadly
No other love could ever be the same
If we fail, there's just yourself to blame
Baby, I know you're the one for me
Maybe, there'll come a time when I won't be sad and lonely
Maybe, there'll come a time when I won't be sad and lonely
Maybe, there'll come a time when I won't be sad and lonely
In Cassandre McKinley's song "You're the One for Me," the lyrics express hope for finding true love and a sense of loneliness that comes with not having it. The opening line sets the tone for the rest of the song as it portrays the singer's recurring sadness and loneliness in the search for love. However, she still maintains hope that perhaps one day she will find love and not be sad and lonely anymore. The phrase "Just suppose I can love you from the every start, maybe" is a clear indication of the singer's eagerness to experience love and the possibility of a new love in the future.
Despite the uncertainty, the singer believes that she has finally found the one she's been waiting for. She believes that this person can ease her loneliness and fill the void in her heart. She hopes that this person will recognize their mutual need for each other and declare their love. The repeated line "Baby, I know you're the one for me" is a clear indication that this person is the one she's been waiting for.
The lyrics of "You're the One for Me" present a message of hope, love, and perseverance in the journey of finding true love. The song reminds us that love is worth waiting for, and it can heal the loneliness that comes with not having it. The repetition of the line "Maybe, there'll come a time when I won't be sad and lonely" highlights the singer's longing for a brighter future where love is present.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe, there'll come a time when I won't be sad and lonely
I'm hopeful that someday I won't feel so alone and empty.
Just suppose I can love you from the every start, maybe
Imagine if I could have loved you from the beginning, maybe things would be different now.
Heaven knows I could show you with an open heart, baby
I have so much love to give and I would show it to you with sincerity and honesty.
You're the one that I've been waiting for, in this loneliness forevermore
Out of all the people I've met and all the time I've spent alone, you are the one I've been waiting for.
Baby, I know you're the one for me
I feel confident that you are the person meant for me.
Can it be that you're needing me as I need you, can't be
I struggle to believe that you could need me as much as I need you.
What was me if we parted and I never knew, funny
It's ironic to think about who I would be if we never met and if we were to separate now.
Deep inside my heart I hope and pray
My heart is filled with hope and I pray that things work out between us.
That some day you'll come to me and say
I dream of the day when you will tell me that you feel the same way I do.
Love is strong and I'm betting it will come my way gladly
I have faith in the power of love and I believe that it will come to me willingly.
If I'm wrong and mistaken that I'll have to pay sadly
If I'm mistaken about you being the one for me, then I will face the consequences and be sad about it.
No other love could ever be the same
If we don't work out, I doubt I could ever love anyone else quite the same way.
If we fail, there's just yourself to blame
If our love falls apart, it will be your fault because I'm certain that I am the one meant for you.
Maybe, there'll come a time when I won't be sad and lonely
Once again, I can't help but hold out hope that someday I won't feel so alone and unhappy.
Contributed by Arianna P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.