At the age of 16, KeKe Palmer’s resume reflects that of someone twice her age. As the breakout star of her generation, Palmer’s film and TV credits include: Barbershop 2: Back in Business, ER, Akeelah and the Bee, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Madea's Family Reunion, House of Payne, Shrink, and her very own headlining sitcom, Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP.
The multi-talented, award-winning actress has occasionally showcased her vocal prowess as well. In addition to release of So Uncool, her 2007 solo debut, she has also made contributions to soundtracks for Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, Make It Happen, Jump In!, Night at the Museum, and Akeelah and the Bee. In 2010, KeKe will release her highly-anticipated sophomore effort on Interscope Records.
In the midst of writing and recording for her forthcoming project, KeKe Palmer managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Brandy, “Super Jerkin’,” and the trick to juggling two professional careers.
Although a lot of people are familiar with your acting career, the same isn’t necessarily true about your singing career. Looking back on your life, at what point do you think the singing bug bit you?
Well, I grew up in the church, where my mother sang a lot, so it was something that I always knew I could do. I’ve just kind of been in love with it, since I was five or so. But my love of music was definitely passed down to me from my mother, singing in church and being in school plays.
In 2007 and 2008, you recorded music for Volumes 5 and 6 of the DisneyMania series. On Volume 5, you covered “True to Your Heart,” and on Volume 6, “Reflection,” both of which were featured on Disney’s Mulan soundtrack. I’m curious to know what those songs mean to you on a personal level. What role did you have in selecting the songs?
I love Mulan! And these were songs that I grew up with. I selected “Reflection” personally and “True to Your Heart” was given to me. Both songs both have lyrics that remind me to be true to myself and do things that come naturally. I had a lot of fun singing them, especially “Reflection.” Christina Aguilera did such a good job with that song.
Tackling two careers must be quite the balancing act. Why do you think you have been successful juggling both?
Article comments
1 - Ted
That's a really impressive list a movies she's done. Not!
2 - Clayton Perry
Did a "grown man" really attack the talents of a 16-year-old girl? Sheesh... that's so uncool! :-P
3 - joan
@ted
in case you haven't heard of shrink its her new movie that she stars in alongside Robin Williams and Kevin Spacey. You should check it out, she did a wonderful job in it, it was a very difficult part.