Born in Buffalo, New York, Ventta Fields' strong spiritual upbringing still shines through today. Her long and distinguished career began as a gospel singer with a group from her church, 'The Templaires'. Her talents were by chance recognised by Ike & Tina Turner the popular icons from the 1960s. One nervous audition later, Venetta suddenly found herself on stage with the outrageous duo, singing and shaking the night away as one of the famous 'Ikettes'... She stayed for the next five years.
Now with her feet firmly planted on the ground, and musically confident, Venetta was determined to find the heart of the music industry in Los Angeles. She quickly found herself in the 'Clique' and moved into serious session work. In time she climbed to the top of her field as one of the most sought after back up singers in the USA where she reigned for ten years... During this time, she worked with Diana Ross, Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Humble Pie. But more highlights were to come: Joe Cocker, Quincy Jones, Bette Midler, The Rolling Stones, Burt Bacharach, Bob Dylan, The Supremes, Neil Diamond, Bob Seiger and many more. Not to mention her mentor, the great Aretha Franklin.
Opportunity continually knocked at her door, strengthening her untarnished reputation. She won the much sought after role as one of the Oreos in 'A Star is Born' with Barbara Streisand. It was to be her film debut. After having worked with the biggest names in the industry, she made the decision to come to Australia.
Touring here in 1978 and 1980 with Boz Scaggs, she liked it so much she returned here permanently in 1982. The freshness and growing vitality of the industry was invigorating. She began recording with Australia's best: Richard Clapton, Australian Crawl, Jimmy Barnes, and New Zealand's Tim Finn, to name a few. She soon had her own band, 'Venetta's Taxi'. Then formed and toured with her own Gospel show 'Gospel Jubilee'.
'The Voice' himself, John Farnham, was instrumental in bringing her to the attention of the Australian public. Her spiritual rendition of the classic 'Amazing Grace' brought concerts to a standstill, she was again achieving the respect and recognition she so truly deserved.
In 1989 another string was added to her bow when she made her theatre debut as Alice the slave in 'Big River'. Venetta received rave reviews, which brought more theatre opportunities. Since then she has starred in the musical 'Blues in the Night', the concert version of 'Chess', and two plays for the Melbourne Theatre Company: 'The Crucible' and 'Racing Demon'.
As the opening and the support act for George Benson, Venetta and her trio earned more rave reviews. Dionne Warwick, Thelma Houston and Randy Crawford, are just some of the greats she has supported while they were in Australia. To round out the year, she was asked by Barbara Streisand to perform with her again... This tour took Australia by storm!
Venetta has recently co-produced her own CD 'At Last' in Australia, also co-writing many of the songs. The CD is made up of pieces from all the wonderful people she has worked with over the years.
|
Enquire about
Venetta Fields
for your next event |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
