Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Lou.
Hi Corey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Man, where do I begin? I began singing in the Baptist church choir with my grandmother around the age of five. I remember one of the first songs I ever sang was “Closet Religion” by Dottie Peoples. I took the microphone and went all through the aisle singing the song and ended up on my knees! The music video I released at the beginning of this year, which was shot in my home church, paid homage to that moment and the church. I eventually became a percussionist upon entering middle school up until my Junior year of high school. I was also a member of Stax Music Academy’s Street Corner Harmonies until I graduated in 2013.
I received my classical training from the oldest historically black land grant institution, Alcorn State University while on a Music Scholarship. In May of 2019, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Education and Psychology concentration. After graduating I moved back to Memphis to work, but to also follow my dreams and purpose of becoming an “unusually successful entertainer.” I began doing the groundwork and networking needed so that I could get to this point. God gifted me with a vision and I had to see it through.
I’ve been blessed to go on a Gospel Tour to Spain, Portugal, and Italy three times. I’ve been cast as an extra in Netflix films, “Ma” and “Uncorked”; as well as “Get On Up” featuring the late Chadwick Boseman. I’ve also had the honor of being cast in “Union” The Musical, telling the story of the 1968 sanitation strike that happened in Memphis, Tn prior to Dr. Martin Luther King’s untimely death.
Being on stage and entertaining people is where I’ve always belonged and found myself. My most memorable moments come from me “operating in my gift.” If you make room to operate in your gift, your gift will make room for you. I learned that from a couple of my mentors. Having been blessed with the gift of music and the ability to sing isn’t something I take for granted.
It’s an honor and a privilege that can quite frankly be taken away. So, who am I not to share this gift with those around me? Music heals the world, it’s contagious, brings individuals of all races together, breaks language barriers, bridges the gap, helps some fight depression, etc.
People tend to say I write “message music” because of the powerful expression or meaning of the song. So, If I have this gift that can help someone overcome something or even say something that they may not feel comfortable with, I’m going to share it until I can’t anymore.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing good ever comes without some ups, downs, hills, and valleys. Whether it’s financial issues, being on someone else’s time, or just things we can’t control. My grandmother gave me a great analogy for these life problems. She wrote me a letter before I headed off to college that basically said,
“Life is like a bus ride. When it’s your turn to get on the bus, sit close to the bus driver because he’ll take care of you and make sure you get wherever you must go. Show him that you’re enjoying the ride and that you’re delighted in him. There’ll be some hills, curves, and valleys. People will get on and off the bus, but you stay on the bus. Remember who you are and who’s you are. You’ve been prepared and you have angels watching over you.” – Helen Jean Wallace.
That’s kept me going ever since…
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart and what I would say I’m mostly known for, is being a phenomenal entertainer. I’m known for how I engage the crowd. I’ve always leaned on the quote from Maya Angelou; “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
There’s no such thing as luck in my world. It’s all in his plan. My purpose and my destiny were already written, as is everyone else’s, I just decided to have faith and walk in it. Time isn’t something you get back, so while I’m here on this earth, I’ll fulfill my purpose to the best of my ability without luck.
Contact Info:
- Email: corey.martin901@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.coreylou.com/
- Instagram: @_coreylou
- Facebook: Corey Martin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVGqTFgfp1Q9QhWQqkHfmYw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-643304639-601344087
- Other: https://linktr.ee/coreylou
Image Credits
ShotBy50
Ben Brown Photography
