VICKI ANDERSON BIOGRAPHY

Singer, songwriter Vicki Anderson (born Myra Barnes) on November 21, 1939 in Houston Texas began singing at the age of 5 at Mount View Church of God & Christ. By the age of 19 she recorded her fist song titled “There Must Be A God Somewhere”. While recording in the studio her soulful vocals captured the attention of Walter Whisenhunt, a producer that asked her to return and record an R&B song titled “No Body Cares.”

In 1965 she joined James Brown as a featured Solo Artist in the James Brown Show. Her powerful voice laced with grace and elegance embellished the entertainment world with a new stage name Vicki Anderson. She wrote and performed songs like; “I Want To Be In The Land Of Milk And Honey”, “Nobody Cares”, “I’m Too Tough For Mr. Big Stuff” and numerous others.

Vicki appeared as a featured solo artist with James Brown as they toured the UK. She graced the mic on hit songs like; “Think”, “You Got The Power”, “Let It Be Me”, “Wide Awake In A Dream”, and the answer to Mother Popcorn (“I Got A Mother For You”) these great hits became a part of music history in the UK known as Popcorn Music. She is acknowledged by James Brown in his autobiography as the best singer he had ever had in his revue.

In 1970 her most famous song was released, this powerful journey of lyrics would speak to women around the world and become known as the feminist anthem “The Message From the Soul Sisters” part 1 and 2 which features electric bass guitarist Bootsy Collins. The song would travel on to be sampled 41 times. In 1996 the song was sampled by Lil Kim (featuring Puff Daddy) in “No Time”, and later by Big Daddy Kane “Calling Mr. Welfare”, Gang Starr “No More Mr. Nice Guy”, "Another Lie" by MC Prelitique & Sweet, "City Under Siege" by Geto Boys, Remy Ma featuring Keshia Cole, Freedom Of Speech by The Law Above, LL Cool J “GOD Bless.”

Vicki later married singer, songwriter, arranger and keyboard player and (the original founder of the Famous Flames) Mr. Bobby Byrd. Not only was she a Diva with her class and style her soulful vocals acquired another name from her husband the late great Bobby Byrd “Mommie-O”. The husband & wife duo collaborated writing and recording songs together like “Saying It and Doin’ Are Two Different Things”, “Here Is My Everything”, “I’m On The Move,” “You And Me Together For Ever”. Vicki and Bobby toured the UK together in the mid 90’s.

Vickie recorded the cover of Rufus’ hit “Once You Get Started” and Bobby Womack’s “Stop On By” under the name Mommie-O on James I-Dentify label in 1975. In 1996 she returned back to the studio to record with Bossa Nostra and was featured on the classic “Home Is Where The Hatred Is.” Even though she made it seem easy to write and record soulful lyrics she embarked on the music industry around leaving her unique blueprint voice to be heard for generations to come.

2015 Vicki returns back on the scene as she launches Vicki Anderson-Byrd Entertainment LLC. The brand will deliver “A Message From The Soul Sister” workshops for women in media, arts & entertainment and the Vicki Anderson & Bobby Byrd International fan club.

www.vickiandersonbyrd.com