An Interview with CroonerEd
We sit down with CroonerEd, a talented crooner whose passion for both classic standards and contemporary tunes has made him a standout artist in the music world. From his early days performing with his family to his current success as a recording artist, he’s dedicated his life to sharing his love of music with the world. With a style that blends the best of the old and new, he’s known not only for his rich vocal performances but also for his ability to connect with audiences in a truly personal way. Join us as we learn more about his journey, musical inspirations, and what’s next on the horizon.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m happy to say I’m a crooner who loves to sing and perform the great standards we know and love. I’m also taking some of today’s popular songs and recreating them in the “crooner” fashion. I’m a recording artist and would like to think of myself as a bit of a showman. I love the stage, but it’s even more fun to roam around the audience and get people to sing along with me.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
I come from a singing family – my dad was a singer, my mom played the piano, and me and my three older brothers made up the quintet. I started when I was two. I could sing the first and last words, but that was enough. We traveled all over the place with our little family group primarily in churches all over the country. We even recorded a handful of albums. It was quite the show. When I was 17, I won a Gospel Music Association national talent competition and got my first recording contract and I’ve just never stopped singing and performing.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
I think the biggest challenge is selecting the right songs. It’s easy to sing the notes, but it’s entirely different to convey the heart and meaning of a song. Early on I was captured by the melody or tempo and the words were secondary. Today, the song has to mean something to me and I hope to convey that meaning in how I perform and delivery it, whether it’s a ballad or uptempo. Of course, I also love the story behind the song. For example, did you know that “Save the Last Dance for Me” was written by a guy named Doc Pomus who had polio and used crutches to get around. His wife, however, was a Broadway actress and dancer. The song is told from his perspective of telling his wife to have fun dancing, but to remember “in whose arms she’s gonna be” later. Now that you know that, you can’t sing or hear it in the same way again.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
I recently released “An Evening With CroonerEd,” which includes some of my favorite standards are remakes. Of all the great tracks, the one that is the most special to me is “And I Love You So,” a remake of the old Perry Como love song. The song tells my story and it touches my heart and soul every time I sing it.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
I’m a big fan of Michael Bublé, but my go to when I want to chill is Tony Bennett. The greatest of all was, of course, Sinatra and I fully understand why Bing Crosby said he was a once in a generation talent, “but why did he have to be in my generation?” With all that said, right now I’m mostly listening to Post Malone and his great album, “F-1Trillion.”
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
For me the song starts with the a great piano arrangement. It sets the tone and tempo and overall feel. After that, we’re just filling in the parts to help bring it to a life of it’s own.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
For my next project I’m thinking of something along the lines of the “music behind the songs” theme. Songs that we might know or recognize, but have no real understanding of story that made that song come to life. I love to tell a story before performing the song and I think that would be a fun and meaningful show.
What are your plans for 2025?
To enjoy each day, be grateful for each opportunity, and record another album of great music.
Have any shoutouts?
To my constant inspiration, my beautiful wife Lyssa-Jenness!
As we wrap up this conversation, it’s clear that CroonerEd’s love for music runs deep, from his childhood performances to his ongoing commitment to creating meaningful work. With his upcoming projects and plans for 2025, there’s no doubt that we’ll continue to hear beautiful, heartfelt music from him for years to come. Whether on stage or in the studio, his passion for storytelling and sharing the magic of music is truly inspiring. Tune in on Spotify.