By Rhea Kinnard
NASHVILLE, TN —Multi-talented and former Fisk Jubilee Singer Kimberly Fleming will headline the 2024 Les Gemmes, Inc. annual Literary Luncheon event along with Friends of Fisk (also former Jubilee Singers).
The annual event will be Saturday, May 18 at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Fleming’s ensemble will put their talent on full-display before the several hundred attendees expected at the 17th annual event.
Fleming was recently nominated for a Grammy® Award in January for her single “I Like Me,” a song written to encourage girls and women on the importance of loving yourself and not be ruled by labels or judgmental people. The annual Literary Luncheon is a benefit for the Lighting the Path for Girls Initiative. The girls are affectionately called ‘Jewels.’
Fleming’s vocals are no stranger to the music industry. As a young girl growing up, she would sing harmony with her siblings in the church choir. Years later, at the intersection of talent and destiny, Fleming found herself on hundreds of recordings for artists that reads like a ‘Who’s Who.’ Some of these include: Wynonna Judd, Patti Austin, Patti Labelle, Bette Midler, Jon Bon Jovi, B.B. King, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Shirley Caesar, Andre Crouch, Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes….and the list goes on and on.
In addition, Fleming has worked on numerous jingles and film scores, as well as garnering the role of ‘Armelia’ in the Broadway Musical “Ain’t Misbehavin.” She is also a lead vocalist with the Dr. Bobby Jones Super Choir based here in Nashville. Her incredible stage presence coupled with her pitch-perfect vocals will quite equivocally bring a level of excitement like never before.
“We are beyond excited to have Kimberly Fleming along with former Fisk Jubilee Singers at this year’s luncheon,” stated the Honorable Karen Y. Johnson, Les Gemmes Literary Luncheon co-chair.
The Les Gemmes, Inc. organization is committed to providing opportunities in education to young girls by providing scholarships to graduating seniors interested in pursuing their post-secondary education,” she added.
The featured author is RaShonda Tate, former journalist and author of more than 50 books, including “Let the Church Say Amen.” Two of her books have been made into movies. Tate has the credentials and the passion to bring stories to life. “It is clear the entire Literary Luncheon event will be an experience beyond one’s imagination,” said Dr. Candra Clariette, co-chair.
Vendors are also available again this year, contact Rene’ Whittaker at mrenew45@gmail.com or call 615-838-6164. Sponsorships and tickets are currently available for purchase on Eventbrite.com, KEYWORDS: LES GEMMES NASHVILLE. You may also visit the Les Gemmes, Inc. website at lesgemmesnashville.org.