Vera launched her professional singing career with the R&B group Neo Experience over 40 years ago. After that chapter, she founded the group Sassafras with her sister and a fellow friend where they released their self-titled album in 1978. In 1979, she joined The Ritchie Family(sister group of The Village People), replacing Ednah Holt and became their official lead singer. From 1979 – 1983 Vera released multiple hit singles including “Bad Reputation”, “Put Your Feet To The Beat”, and “Where Are The Men”.
Vera shares her pivotal moments from Disco to Gospel:
I began professionally singing as a hoax. I auditioned for a band over the phone and ended up getting the gig and became the vocalist for The Ritchie Family, Sister group to the infamous disco group The Village People.
I toured extensively for many years and came off the road. Being in that lifestyle, I got strung out on drugs and ultimately hit rock bottom. During one of my drug binges my sister discovered me and her scream shocked me to the point that I ran into the bathroom and looked in the mirror at myself – I saw a monster! At that point I cried out the name Jesus and asked the Lord to help me. I fell to my knees and the Lord heard my cry.
I soon ran into an old friend who encouraged me to join his gospel group so I took a chance and it was well received. I’m forever grateful that the Lord never took His hand off me and that now He has allowed me to be able to serve Him full-time in ministry.
Vera left R&B music seeking a deeper spiritual relationship with the Lord and decided to accept the calling on her life to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ though song in Praise and Worship music. Now over 10 years later, produced by her husband Ben Pressley, Vera has emerged as a solo gospel artist with her first album SOMEBODY (2018).
SOMEBODY was released on Vera and Ben’s indie label EnZMood Music Group and is now distributed via Enon Music Group. The album was nominated for a 2019 CD Baby Independent Music Award. CD Baby’s award platform is for Independent Artists and Producers who are established with a catalog of music independently. Ben was also nominated for a 2019 Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Award (IGAA) for Producer of the Year.
Vera’s new single, “Yes We Can Can”, is a remake of the Pointer Sisters classic hit in which Vera delivers with passion and with an authentic throughback funky vibe.
Listen To: “Yes We Can Can”
Vera will be performing “Yes We Can Can” on Atlanta Live TV on Tuesday, August 6. Atlanta Live TV airs at 7PM Eastern throughout Georgia and streams at http://watc.tv/atlanta-live/ and via the Atlanta Live Facebook page.
Through her music, Vera expresses the Love and Joy of the Lord, and that all transformations, all obstacles, all dreams and desires are possible.
“I thank God for blessing me with a gift of music and to be considered to serve Him is truly greater,” she says. “Singing for the Lord is my life and I am so grateful that he allows me to do this. I’m thankful that gives me strength and blessed because through Him We Can do all things!”