United States-based reggae singer Mye Laurell is generating buzz on local airwaves with her soulful remake of Diana Ross’ classic hit It’s My House, a fresh interpretation produced by reggae veteran Richie Stephens.

According to Laurell, the decision to revisit the 1979 anthem was entirely Stephens’ idea. The veteran producer believed her vocal tone bore a resemblance to the legendary Motown singer.

“Richie Stephens chose the song, not me. He said my speaking voice reminds him of Diana Ross. I didn’t know the song at first. He taught me the song. He said if I’m a big singer, I don’t need to know the song, just to follow his lead. So I did,” she shared.

Stephens produced the single on his Pot of Gold imprint.

Originally recorded by Diana Ross for her 1979 album The Boss, It’s My House was written and produced by famed songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson. The song, celebrated for its themes of independence and empowerment, became a moderate international hit, peaking at No. 27 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart and No. 32 in the United Kingdom.

Laurell said the remake has already been receiving strong support from listeners.

“The feedback from the public so far has been phenomenal,” said the singer, who also works professionally as a registered nurse.

Outside of music, Laurell is widely known for her philanthropic work and for founding the Queens Of Reggae Island Honorary Ceremonies (QORIHC), an awards organisation established in 2016 to honour women working within the Caribbean entertainment industry.

The awards programme is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026 with the QORIHC Ball which will be held on Sunday, May 31 at the Karl Hendrickson auditorium in St Andrew. The event will be held under the distinguished patronage of Mrs Rose Tavares-Finson. Ms Jamaica Universe 2020 Miqueal Symone-Williams will be the guest speaker.

“QORIHC’s distinct aim is to increase the social morale of women in Jamaica. It gloriously publicly acknowledges the tireless work that women put into the Jamaican entertainment industry in all capacities,” said the artiste, whose real name is Laurel Nurse.

Music has long been a personal passion for the entertainer. After migrating to the United States, she aggressively pursued a recording career and scored early success with several reggae radio hits, including a well-received cover of Gregory Isaacs’ Night Nurse.

She also captured the New Jersey Reggae Award for Best Female Singer in 2007-2008 before eventually stepping away from the spotlight to focus on healthcare and organising QORIHC.

Her return to music came after a standout performance at the 2024 QORIHC Awards ceremony.

“I opened the last QORIHC Awards with Gem Myers singing Whitney’s Greatest Love of All. After that, Gem Myers gave me the stamp of approval to begin singing and continue on the path where I left off to pursue QORIHC,” she explained.

After dedicating nearly a decade to building the awards platform, Laurell said she felt the time was right to reignite her creative ambitions.

“Now I am back in music and that’s how It’s My House became a reality,” she said.