Never miss a moment

Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vanessa Collier’s sixth album, Do It My Own Way, is a self-produced masterpiece that channels the timeless analog warmth of Stax and Hi Records. Recorded with legendary organist Rev. Charles Hodges, the album blends Memphis soul, funk, and gospel-tinged Americana to celebrate female empowerment and artistic independence. From the retro-soul groove of “Wild As a Rainstorm” to the anthemic title track—a defiant response to industry sexism—Collier showcases her versatility by handling everything from songwriting and horn arrangements to lead vocals and saxophone. A four-time Blues Music Award winner and Berklee graduate, Collier cements her status as a vital force in the genre, delivering a sonically rich “love letter” to the next generation that honors pioneers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe while charting her own uncompromising path.