I have a multitude of influences. One of my biggest has been Bette Midler. I have been obsessed with her since I was a child. Growing up I bought every CD and movie that I could get my hands on. I have tapes of talk shows, etc. Yes, I was very obsessed. My obsession as of now has subsided slightly from my childhood days, but I still think that she is the ultimate entertainer. She can deliver a song like no one and make you feel emotions you never knew you had. That is music. That is an entertainer. It should make you feel something. It should open your mind to new ideas, give you those "aha!" or "light bulb" moments. I enjoy listening to various genres of music. A good song is just that and transcends any genre.

Lately I'm addicted to Alicia Keys. I think she is absolutely incredible. I also look up to all those who support a good cause. Bono of U2 is one artist out of many. Not to mention that I think U2 is wonderful too. In my collection you might find some longtime favorites including Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Ella Fitzgerald, Madonna, Shakira, Sting, Carole King, Frank Sinatra, Natalie and Nat King Cole, George Michael, Janice Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, The Beatles, Linda Ronstadt, of course Bette Midler, just to put a few names out there. Style-wise I love songs from all sorts of genres. World, Latin, Latin Jazz, Pop, Rock, R&B, Soul, Jazz, the not-so-twangy Country, Folk, and probably many others that I can't think of right now, they all contribute to great music.

I am a lover of great music.

So there you have a brief history of what influences me musically. Simply put, I get something out of every song I listen to.

Peace,

Kristen Justice