Ria Simone
Eclectic, uplifting, inspiring, timeless, evolving, life giving, bringing healing, freedom and deliverance to the soul are just some of the words/phrases that the soulful gospel singer Ria Simone uses to describe herself and her music. Ria Simone whose real name is Ria Simone Greene began her music ministry at the age of 15 years when it was revealed to her that singing was her God given gift. She believes that the gift was specially selected for her for God’s purposes and knows that she has been blessed with a beautiful and unique tone which is powerful with a very commanding presence. While singing is Ria Simone’s first career choice, she acknowledges that the music industry in Barbados has not yet developed to a level where she can make a comfortable career from singing and has therefore pursued another career path.
However, she remains committed to her passion and further contributes to the industry by conducting vocal training. Over the years Ria Simone has been influenced musically by powerhouses such as Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Yolanda Adams, Robert Flack, Luther Vandross, Lionel Richie, Donnie McClurkin, Bebe Winans, Evan Ross, Maroon 5. More recently Tank and the Bangas were added to the extensive list of musical influences which continues to be updated over time. In addition to have a wonderful voice, Ria Simone has been gifted with the ability of mimicking other singers, keeping tempo, and anticipating where a song is going upon hearing it for the first time. This talented Barbadian singer has been featured on the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) Rejoice and Sing, the Nation Newspaper’s Easy Magazine and in other separate articles in the newspaper for her NIFCA and The Life 97.5 Flow gospel challenge performances. Beyond being a great singer Ria Simone wants to be known for changing lives for the better, for showing the immeasurable love of Christ in her music, teaching persons that He is in control of all things, cares for us, is real and loves us unconditionally.
Presently, Ria Simone is working on an original piece written 15 years ago. Look out for the release of this single and more from Ria Simone on: