Artist Spotlight: Pamela Edwards McClafferty
Pamela Edwards McClafferty didn’t grow up hearing war stories. Her father, a WWII veteran, lived in silence with his memories. She noticed that her father-in-law, the quiet sailor, also endured as did many other veterans she met. The silence of these men and women is the spirit behind the haunting ballad, “SOLDIERS NOT FORGOT.”
In this exclusive Q&A, Pamela Edwards McClafferty opens up about the stories behind the music, lessons learned along the way, and what keeps their passion alive.
MusicsWeek: How did you get started in music?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: I was eleven years old when I began singing. By seventeen, I was touring Europe with the Southern California Youth Chorale. We visited 15 countries, including East Berlin and Czechoslovakia, countries behind the Iron Curtain. I studied Opera at the University of Arizona, and afterwards attended UCLA and won two scholarships from the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera. In between my studies, I toured the United States with singing groups like the Unusual We, and I recorded an album with the Unusual We, which is still selling in Japan and South Korea. Harold Battiste, the legendary arranger and producer, remixed the recordings in the 2000s.
MusicsWeek: What inspired you to become a musician?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: Like many people, music is a natural part of my life. That “life of music” ultimately translated into singing, writing lyrics, and ultimately songs. I don’t have an answer as to why. It was just a natural evolution.
MusicsWeek: Can you tell us a bit about your background and upbringing?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: I was raised in a family that loved to debate, exchange ideas, and explore the world. My parents were believers in exposing their children to as much of the world as possible, including understanding and respecting the differences amongst people and their cultures. My father was a Republican, my mother was a Democrat, which made for interesting political conversations. However, my parents were united about teaching me respect for humanity. They traveled the world and donated to causes, and even more importantly, time, to hundreds of charities. They also sponsored and or supported foreign students who became outstanding citizens of the United States.
MusicsWeek: What's your favorite memory related to music?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: I was writing lyrics to a song, and suddenly a melody embraced the words. It was amazing.
MusicsWeek: What's your biggest passion outside of music?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: Other than my husband and my family, writing.
MusicsWeek: How do you stay motivated and inspired?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: Through curiosity and a respect for humanity.
MusicsWeek: What's your favorite song to play live?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: Imagine John Lenon (everything Lennon. & Tupac & Eminem).
MusicsWeek: What's your creative process like when writing songs?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: It’s new to me. I am a writer/author/producer first, but I am in love with this writing process. It’s opened a whole new world to me.
MusicsWeek: Do you have a favorite album or artist that influences your work?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: I am more inclined to say what happens in the world is more of an influence.
MusicsWeek: What's the most challenging part of being a musician?
Pamela Edwards McClafferty: Having the time to create.
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