By: Carolyn M. Bolivar
Marzette Media Promotions
Meleeke McCants is the rising star to watch from Birmingham, Alabama. He is the young man – 10 years old – who is the show stopper for the Black Jacket Symphony during their Michael Jackson performances. Meleeke’s clear, precisely- pitched voice is riveting and takes audiences to new heights during his rendition of “ABC.” His stage presence is ingratiating while he comfortably wows the audience with great showmanship. Meleeke says, “I like to make people happy and the audience applause gives me confidence and makes me happy too.”
The Black Jacket Symphony, owned by Jay Willoughby, performs to “Sold Out” audiences throughout the Southeast, offering a unique concert experience when recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. A selected album is performed in its entirety with a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no detail overlooked. Needing the right voice to proceed with tackling the King of Pop’s magnum album, Thriller, Jason Rogoff, promoter, was referred to Meleeke, the surprise, extra treat during the performance, nailing the songs of young Michael with unbelievable ease and credibility. Meleeke shows no stage fright or discomfort when entertaining large audiences on the road or at home while juggling homework and other appearances.
Meleeke delights in the honor and privilege to be discovered as the voice of young Michael Jackson. However, there is much more talent as he has been singing and acting since the age of five. Meleeke has performed in several musical productions with the Virginia Samford Theatre Group: Little Mermaid, School House Rock, Freckle Face Strawberry, Alice in Wonderland , Wiley The Harry Man. Meleeke also performed in the youth choir with Ms. Ruth Randall of Porgy and Bess at Miles College. He is currently in rehearsals for Peter Pan Jr., directed by Roy Hudson and choreographed by Mr. Jesse Kisor. The STARS Program (Students Take A Role at The Samford) is the vision of Roy Hudson and Cathy Gilmore, who also facilitated an audition for Meleeke with Motown in Chicago for the “Motown The Musical” production, one of four boys who were flown to Chicago (Meleeke’s first plane ride) where he was well- received and potentially may be selected for the touring cast of “Little Michael.”
Meleeke’s mother, Gabrielle Snead, serves as his manager and for his talented sisters and brothers who perform and sing in the choir at Friendship Baptist Church in Homewood, Robert A. Sellers, Sr, Pastor. Included in the schedule is Wednesday Night Bible Study and rehearsal for the Children’s Choir. Mom would like for Meleeke to pursue singing and acting professionally, and he is offered much encouragement from his father William Snead, his uncle, Alonzo Simmons, as well as his sisters, brothers and grandparents. Mom allows Meleeke to make his own decisions as to what he wants to participate in. Meleeke says he preps for performing by first praying and then going out and doing his best. One of his favorite songs is “Give Love on Christmas Day”, which he sang beautifully during this interview.
Meleeke was born on April 29, 2004 and is a 5th grade student at Pleasant Grove Elementary School. His teachers attest to him being a very sweet spirit, full of energy and always singing. His principal, Jay Jacks, says he is wonderful and has him sing on occasion over the intercom. Meleeke already has a fan club at school. He likes Tamala Mann and Kirk Franklin, gymnastics, bowling and playing with the Wii with his family. He loves to watch the cooking channel. His favorite foods are ham, turkey and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Jay Willoughby, owner of The Black Jacket Symphony, is so inspired by Meleeke that he encouraged him to take performance piano lessons with Peyton Grant of the Black Jacket Symphony at the Homewood School of Music, where he is learning to accompany himself on piano and drums.
Meleeke does not appear fazed by the Red Carpet Treatment received when traveling and according to Mom, he must still clean his room, take out the garbage, help out around the house, and complete his homework. Meleeke is kind-hearted, gets along with everyone, will give you his last…and will turn anything into a song. Manager Mom reflects that Michael Jackson regretted not having a childhood. She wants to ensure that Meleeke does.
All praise is given to God for Meleeke as he is born again. His talent is a gift from God and much credit and appreciation is awarded to those who have taken such interest and catapulted the already budgeoning career of Meleeke, a talented young man who is a natural.
Birmingham can be proud of not only his talent, but the very spiritual, wholesome and loving disposition of Meleeke McCants who is also born again!
