
“Both were powerful sopranos, but Celine was on a bigger label, had more resources and took off.” “The album did great on the charts, but it was bad timing … Celine Dion had also just come out,” said Clayton. “In the late 80s I remember working on ‘Somebody to Love Me’ with Nico Lyras and Ernest Williamson for the group ‘The Jets’ and we called Wendy, who reluctantly came in to sing the demo … then something started to click.”Ī few years later (1992), Clayton, Lyras and Williamson would go on to produce Wendy’s self-titled debut album, which featured her hit “Come In Out of the Rain,” written by Curtiss Boone. “Though she’s always had a great voice, she didn’t really want to sing,” Clayton said. Long-time, Grammy-nominated friend, songwriter and musical director, Kurt “KC” Clayton, shares that Moten actually wanted to become a nurse when they were younger. She was planted in her purpose.”īut Wendy Moten was not always embracing of the big stage. “She couldn’t even hold the mic – and she still came in number two. “We gotta be like Wendy Moten and embrace the pain and move out of it,” Joyce said. Last month, Moten fell on stage, breaking her right arm in two places and her wrist on the other arm. She also showed America that Memphis spirit we know so well that pushes you to fight through pain and adversity to make something happen. Moten, 57, showed America that even when some might say your time has passed, you can still make room for yourself. “Her murdering song after song, night after night inspired audiences to make room for themselves, regardless of age, circumstances, mistakes and mishaps.” Wendy Moten performing on “The Voice.” (Courtesy photo)
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“Being on ‘The Voice’ gave her an opportunity to free herself from being A voice to so many greats, to being THE voice in and of herself. But, her performance on “The Voice” meant something more.
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Moten, who attended Overton High School, a local performing arts school, has built a career wowing crowds around the world, lending background vocals to the likes of Julio Iglesias, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Michael McDonald, Martina McBride and more.Ĭritics thought Moten had an unfair advantage, having been a professional singer and background vocalist for decades. She touched people’s lives and hearts with her voice and her beautiful spirit.” Wendy Moten with Blake Shelton on the set of “The Voice.” (Courtesy photo) She was able to share with millions of Americans what we get to see all the time at church, at Thanksgiving dinner, every time we’re together – her spirit, which is positive, uplifting, cleansing. “Wendy brought a community together, as if she was Steph Curry or Michael Jordan. She had the opportunity to share the gift of her atmospheric talent on an amazing platform with on average 7 million viewers a week, but it wasn’t even ultimately about winning,” he added. “We know Wendy deserved to win,” said Joyce. Though Wendy lost a chance at the $100,000 grand prize and a record deal with Universal Music Group, according to Joyce she gained so much more. “She’s on a whole new plane now – this is just the beginning.” Derrick Joyce, pastor of Monument of Love Baptist Church in Orange Mound.



“We are extremely proud of Wendy,” said Moten’s nephew, the Rev.
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If you’ve never watched NBC’s “The Voice,” you’ve likely at least heard about the vocal powerhouse, Memphis-native Wendy Moten on the most recent season (21), that concluded Tuesday evening, leaving more than 7 million Americans in (what some might say is) shock when a trio (Girl Named Tom) won.Ī “Team Blake” favorite from beginning to end, Moten headed home with a full spirit to heal her physical wounds after placing second in the popular singing reality competition. Wendy Moten, who attended Overton High School, built a career wowing crowds around the world before her widely-acclaimed performances on "The Voice." (Courtesy photo)
