Country Artist Wendy Moten: From Backup Vocals to “The Voice”
From her time on The Voice to launching her solo career, Wendy Moten is making waves in country music. We caught up with Wendy to hear about her Memphis roots, her success in Nashville, and breaking country music stereotypes.
She may have risen to fame thanks to her appearance on television’s The Voice, but Wendy Moten is a music veteran. The Memphis-raised, Nashville-based singer and songwriter was a successful background vocalist for several decades, touring with renowned artists like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Julio Iglesias, and Vince Gill.
These days, she’s stepping into the spotlight. Transitioning to a solo career, she’s defying country music odds as a 58-year-old Black songstress in a white male-dominated arena. She recently released the inspiring “Don’t Give Up” and an accompanying music video featuring Blake Shelton, Keb’ Mo, John Oates, and more. Get to know the talented Wendy Moten!
Who were your earliest musical influences, and what drew you to country music?
Growing up in Memphis, I heard a few different genres. Aretha Franklin is still my all-time favorite. Then, I started watching Hee Haw on TV and loving the sound of traditional country music. Patsy Cline was the first country artist I knew by name, and I loved her style of singing.
What inspired you to launch your music career, and what did that trajectory look like?
Music was always a part of my life. My dad was a pastor, and we were at church at least three days a week. Music found me at a very young age. My first audience was the church; they were my biggest supporters. Opportunities kept coming, and I kept growing until I realized I had a true love and passion for it, which has brought me this far.
What prompted you to audition for The Voice, and what was your favorite part about being on the show?
Honestly, when COVID shut everything down, I felt like it was a great opportunity to get my solo career back on track. My solo career started in 1993. I was a recording artist on EMI Records during the Whitney, Celine, and Mariah era. After that dissipated, Julio Iglesias found me, and I became his duet partner for over 15 years, singing in four languages and seeing the world. During this time and afterward, I had no idea how I would get back out front without a manager, agent, or label.
When the pandemic happened, I felt like most artists were starting over, and I had to find a way to get going again too. I sent in a video from my home, and when they accepted me, I knew it would be the beginning I was seeking.
My favorite part about being on the show was learning that I was still competitive and being appreciated by the coaches. They recognized that I had mastered my craft and gift and acknowledged it in the sweetest ways. I watched them truly care about ALL of the contestants. That meant a lot to witness.
You defy quite a few country music stereotypes. What are the biggest challenges of being a 58-year-old Black woman in the country music industry?
Well, it’s hard being a 58-year-old woman anywhere! But I don’t let it stop me. I remind myself that my age is someone else’s problem, not mine. I don’t think about it. I keep dreaming and acting on those dreams. I keep the outside noises out.
You recently released your music video for “Don’t Give Up,” featuring several special guest appearances from familiar faces. Can you tell us about the song and the concept of the video?
My fiancé, David Santos, and I wrote the song in 2009. Maybe we were trying to encourage each other! He’s been the bass player for Billy Joel, John Fogerty, CSN, Melissa Etheridge, Toto, and others. It wasn’t ready to be heard back then, but I knew the time was now. People who remember my career in the ’90s can see I didn’t give up, and I’m still doing it. And the people who saw me fall and break my elbow on [The Voice], then come back on the set the next day, saw that I didn’t give up. In the reality TV era that we live in, I’m a real person who overcame something tragic on live TV and got back up like millions of other people do every day.
You’re currently working on an album with producer Paul Worley. Can you tell us about your project and what we can look forward to?
Paul Worley is an AMAZING producer with a lot of successful hits and artists he’s worked with. He didn’t know me before The Voice. When I heard he liked my journey on [the show] and knew I would need new music, I made up my mind to ask him for his musical help. He found some amazing songs, and I can’t wait until people hear them. He always says, “Wendy Moten is her own genre,” because I love singing in more than one.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?
Playing at the Opry as a solo artist. How was this ever supposed to happen? Vince Gill made that possible; he produced a traditional country record on me called I’ve Got You Covered. It’s a selection of traditional country songs like Tammy Wynette’s version of “’Til I Get It Right,” Linda Ronstadt’s version of “Faithless Love,” which is a duet with Vince Gill and me. I made my 23rd Opry performance since 2019.
You grew up in Memphis and currently live in Nashville. What are your favorite things about each city?
I’ll forever be in love with Memphis because it’s my hometown. I love the music, the musicianship, and the food. And in Memphis, we speak to everybody.
Nashville has a lot of music, and it is one of the most successful music industries. There is also good food and some of the friendliest people.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Listen to that first voice and trust your instincts. If you don’t, you may start to compromise, and maybe not for the good.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
Pepsi’s, old Perry Mason episodes, and eating cheese.
Lightning Round:
Favorite book you’ve read: Stephen King’s new book Fairy Tale.
Favorite item to give as a gift (and where you shop for it): Garrett’s Popcorn; I order it online from Chicago. The Carmel & Cheese is a must!
Favorite Memphis and Nashville boutiques for clothing: I’m the worst at shopping for clothes … It’s sad, but I’m guilty of shopping online. It’s so easy!
Favorite vacation spot: Anytime I go to Los Angeles.
Favorite Memphis and Nashville restaurants: In Memphis, it’s Payne’s BBQ on Lamar. In Nashville, it’s Central BBQ on 21st.
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.