AMERICAN reggae singer Nancie Brodhead recently recorded a reggae interpretation of the song Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To).
The song — originally recorded by Thelma Houston in 1973 — was made popular in 1975 by Diana Ross, whose version was featured as the theme to the Motown/Paramount film Mahogany, which starred Ross. The song was also featured on Ross's self-titled seventh studio album.
The song was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Song and soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.
Brodhead explained why she decided to put her spin on the classic hit.
"Since I retired from teaching I began to sing some of the songs from classical American musical theatre, which I've always loved. I'm indebted to Alphonso Henclewood who encouraged me to record some of these classic American songs. Knowing that Do You Know Where You're Going To is one of my favorites, he suggested that I should do a reggae version of it. I'm very happy that I took his advice and recorded this song," she said.
The musical accompaniment for the song was provided by Jamaican musicians including Kirk "Kirkledove" Bennett, Lloyd Denton, Flabba Holt, Paul Crosdale, and Harry Powell.
"I had an awesome experience working with some of Jamaica's finest musicians on this project. We recorded the rhythm for the song at Cure Studios in Kingston. After that I returned to the US and recorded my vocals at Kitchen Sink studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico," said Brodhead.
Brohead's version of Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) was produced by Alphonso Henclewood. It is featured on the five-song EP Reggae Style which was released last December.
Brodhead was born and raised in Wisconsin, USA. She launched her recording career in 2020 with a song titled A Reggae Sentimental Journey on the Montego Records imprint.
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