Sit Down Interview w/ Karla Gordy Bristol
Oct 12, 2018
1 min read
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
Hang out with Karla Gordy Bristol and Táta Vega on The Beverly Hills View.
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Biography
A fresh and original blend of energy and inspiration...an effervescent personality combined with abundant talent, refreshing music, and an eternal message; with Táta Vega, what you hear is what you get--and what you get is an artist whose music mirrors her spirit...and vice versa.
Táta is a rare and exceptional artist who has had the opportunity to cross nearly every musical boundary while all the while remaining true to who she is. Growing up in the Panama Canal Zone, Puerto Rico and abroad, Táta was surrounded by the sounds of Latin, Panamanian and Calypso music while developing a vast appreciation for the sounds of Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Gospel, Rock, Folk, Country and any other music that Táta could hear would also affect her in their own individual way.
By the age of sixteen, it was apparent that Táta was destined for a career in the music industry. She moved to California and made her way into the musical Hair. While in Hair, she met Dobie Gray (known for his international smash "Drift Away") who invited her to become a part of a counter-culture band called Pollution. After two albums under Atlantic with Pollution, Táta joined another band, Earthquire, who would sign a deal with Natural Resources, a division of Motown. As lead singer, songwriter, and percussionist with the band, Táta's talents were immediately noticed by Motown who signed her as a soloist on the Tamla label.
As a soloist with Motown, Táta released four critically acclaimed albums ("Full Speed Ahead," "Totally Táta," "Try My Love," "Givin' All My Love"). These four albums covered every musical territory possible: Southern Soul, Disco, Gospel, Jazz, Funk, Country, Latin, and Doo-Wop. Táta also scored two international hits ("I Just Keep Thinking About You Baby" and "Get It Up For Love") which topped Disco charts in both America and Europe. These songs were so contagiously funky that some critics dubbed her "The Godmother Of Funk."
Following her tenure at Motown, Táta maintained a hectic schedule as a studio singer while simultaneously moving into Gospel music. She became the cornerstone of Andraé Crouch's back-up group and as a featured vocalist who began touring with him internationally, earning her a Grammy Nomination for the song "Oh It is Jesus."
In 1985 Táta landed back on billboards' top 100 with "Learn to love again" a duet sung with legendary entertainer Lou Rawls.
Perhaps the pinnacle of the eighties for Táta was being the voice of Shug Avery in the motion picture, "The Color Purple." This recording led to an Oscar nomination and performance, followed by other motion picture soundtracks including The Lion King, "The Circle Of Life" for Spanish speaking countries, Amistad, Forrest Gump, and others.
Táta signed with Quincy Jones' Qwest Records in 1998 and released her long-awaited Gospel solo debut, "Now I See." The album was birthed from her life experiences and testifies of the salvation, mercy, and devotion of God. The album was also critically acclaimed and earned a Stellar Award nomination.
In October of 2009 Táta released her 8th Studio album entitled "This Joy" with Music Producer Alan Abrahams.” This Joy" delivers heart-wrenching vocals and a spontaneous spirit of an artist souled-out for the Lord.
Táta's long-awaited dream was fulfilled when she along with Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, and Judith Hill premiered "Twenty Feet From Stardom" at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2013. It is a film like no other that explores the lives of powerhouse women behind the biggest headliners in music, The Backing Vocalists, often referred by Táta as the "Frame for the Painting."
In March 2014, “Twenty Feet...” went on to win The Academy Award and Grammy for Best Documentary and Best music in a film.
For 50+ years Táta has been recognized as one of the most successful session singers of today and has sung back-up for a number of artists including legendary entertainers, Sir Elton John, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and new artists such as Iggy Azalea, Natasha Beddingfield, Melody Gardot, and countless others. Táta’s Solo Motown releases have stood the test of time as it has been sampled by Hip-hop Artists such as Drake, Tory Lanez, Eminem, and Jim Jones.
Today, Táta maintains a simplicity and sweetness that has endeared millions of people around the world. Her fan base spans the United States to Sweden, Spain to Japan. No matter the cultural surrounding, Táta carries an indescribable something that everyone can relate to. Her heart's desire is to reach as many people as possible by any means necessary with a message of love, hope, and prosperity.
Biography
A fresh and original blend of energy and inspiration...an effervescent personality combined with abundant talent, refreshing music, and an eternal message; with Táta Vega, what you hear is what you get--and what you get is an artist whose music mirrors her spirit...and vice versa.
Táta is a rare and exceptional artist who has had the opportunity to cross nearly every musical boundary while all the while remaining true to who she is. Growing up in the Panama Canal Zone, Puerto Rico and abroad, Táta was surrounded by the sounds of Latin, Panamanian and Calypso music while developing a vast appreciation for the sounds of Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Gospel, Rock, Folk, Country and any other music that Táta could hear would also affect her in their own individual way.
By the age of sixteen, it was apparent that Táta was destined for a career in the music industry. She moved to California and made her way into the musical Hair. While in Hair, she met Dobie Gray (known for his international smash "Drift Away") who invited her to become a part of a counter-culture band called Pollution. After two albums under Atlantic with Pollution, Táta joined another band, Earthquire, who would sign a deal with Natural Resources, a division of Motown. As lead singer, songwriter, and percussionist with the band, Táta's talents were immediately noticed by Motown who signed her as a soloist on the Tamla label.
As a soloist with Motown, Táta released four critically acclaimed albums ("Full Speed Ahead," "Totally Táta," "Try My Love," "Givin' All My Love"). These four albums covered every musical territory possible: Southern Soul, Disco, Gospel, Jazz, Funk, Country, Latin, and Doo-Wop. Táta also scored two international hits ("I Just Keep Thinking About You Baby" and "Get It Up For Love") which topped Disco charts in both America and Europe. These songs were so contagiously funky that some critics dubbed her "The Godmother Of Funk."
Following her tenure at Motown, Táta maintained a hectic schedule as a studio singer while simultaneously moving into Gospel music. She became the cornerstone of Andraé Crouch's back-up group and as a featured vocalist who began touring with him internationally, earning her a Grammy Nomination for the song "Oh It is Jesus."
In 1985 Táta landed back on billboards' top 100 with "Learn to love again" a duet sung with legendary entertainer Lou Rawls.
Perhaps the pinnacle of the eighties for Táta was being the voice of Shug Avery in the motion picture, "The Color Purple." This recording led to an Oscar nomination and performance, followed by other motion picture soundtracks including The Lion King, "The Circle Of Life" for Spanish speaking countries, Amistad, Forrest Gump, and others.
Táta signed with Quincy Jones' Qwest Records in 1998 and released her long-awaited Gospel solo debut, "Now I See." The album was birthed from her life experiences and testifies of the salvation, mercy, and devotion of God. The album was also critically acclaimed and earned a Stellar Award nomination.
In October of 2009 Táta released her 8th Studio album entitled "This Joy" with Music Producer Alan Abrahams.” This Joy" delivers heart-wrenching vocals and a spontaneous spirit of an artist souled-out for the Lord.
Táta's long-awaited dream was fulfilled when she along with Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, and Judith Hill premiered "Twenty Feet From Stardom" at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2013. It is a film like no other that explores the lives of powerhouse women behind the biggest headliners in music, The Backing Vocalists, often referred by Táta as the "Frame for the Painting."
In March 2014, “Twenty Feet...” went on to win The Academy Award and Grammy for Best Documentary and Best music in a film.
For 50+ years Táta has been recognized as one of the most successful session singers of today and has sung back-up for a number of artists including legendary entertainers, Sir Elton John, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and new artists such as Iggy Azalea, Natasha Beddingfield, Melody Gardot, and countless others. Táta’s Solo Motown releases have stood the test of time as it has been sampled by Hip-hop Artists such as Drake, Tory Lanez, Eminem, and Jim Jones.
Today, Táta maintains a simplicity and sweetness that has endeared millions of people around the world. Her fan base spans the United States to Sweden, Spain to Japan. No matter the cultural surrounding, Táta carries an indescribable something that everyone can relate to. Her heart's desire is to reach as many people as possible by any means necessary with a message of love, hope, and prosperity.
Biography
A fresh and original blend of energy and inspiration...an effervescent personality combined with abundant talent, refreshing music, and an eternal message; with Táta Vega, what you hear is what you get--and what you get is an artist whose music mirrors her spirit...and vice versa.
Táta is a rare and exceptional artist who has had the opportunity to cross nearly every musical boundary while all the while remaining true to who she is. Growing up in the Panama Canal Zone, Puerto Rico and abroad, Táta was surrounded by the sounds of Latin, Panamanian and Calypso music while developing a vast appreciation for the sounds of Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Gospel, Rock, Folk, Country and any other music that Táta could hear would also affect her in their own individual way.
By the age of sixteen, it was apparent that Táta was destined for a career in the music industry. She moved to California and made her way into the musical Hair. While in Hair, she met Dobie Gray (known for his international smash "Drift Away") who invited her to become a part of a counter-culture band called Pollution. After two albums under Atlantic with Pollution, Táta joined another band, Earthquire, who would sign a deal with Natural Resources, a division of Motown. As lead singer, songwriter, and percussionist with the band, Táta's talents were immediately noticed by Motown who signed her as a soloist on the Tamla label.
As a soloist with Motown, Táta released four critically acclaimed albums ("Full Speed Ahead," "Totally Táta," "Try My Love," "Givin' All My Love"). These four albums covered every musical territory possible: Southern Soul, Disco, Gospel, Jazz, Funk, Country, Latin, and Doo-Wop. Táta also scored two international hits ("I Just Keep Thinking About You Baby" and "Get It Up For Love") which topped Disco charts in both America and Europe. These songs were so contagiously funky that some critics dubbed her "The Godmother Of Funk."
Following her tenure at Motown, Táta maintained a hectic schedule as a studio singer while simultaneously moving into Gospel music. She became the cornerstone of Andraé Crouch's back-up group and as a featured vocalist who began touring with him internationally, earning her a Grammy Nomination for the song "Oh It is Jesus."
In 1985 Táta landed back on billboards' top 100 with "Learn to love again" a duet sung with legendary entertainer Lou Rawls.
Perhaps the pinnacle of the eighties for Táta was being the voice of Shug Avery in the motion picture, "The Color Purple." This recording led to an Oscar nomination and performance, followed by other motion picture soundtracks including The Lion King, "The Circle Of Life" for Spanish speaking countries, Amistad, Forrest Gump, and others.
Táta signed with Quincy Jones' Qwest Records in 1998 and released her long-awaited Gospel solo debut, "Now I See." The album was birthed from her life experiences and testifies of the salvation, mercy, and devotion of God. The album was also critically acclaimed and earned a Stellar Award nomination.
In October of 2009 Táta released her 8th Studio album entitled "This Joy" with Music Producer Alan Abrahams.” This Joy" delivers heart-wrenching vocals and a spontaneous spirit of an artist souled-out for the Lord.
Táta's long-awaited dream was fulfilled when she along with Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, and Judith Hill premiered "Twenty Feet From Stardom" at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2013. It is a film like no other that explores the lives of powerhouse women behind the biggest headliners in music, The Backing Vocalists, often referred by Táta as the "Frame for the Painting."
In March 2014, “Twenty Feet...” went on to win The Academy Award and Grammy for Best Documentary and Best music in a film.
For 50+ years Táta has been recognized as one of the most successful session singers of today and has sung back-up for a number of artists including legendary entertainers, Sir Elton John, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and new artists such as Iggy Azalea, Natasha Beddingfield, Melody Gardot, and countless others. Táta’s Solo Motown releases have stood the test of time as it has been sampled by Hip-hop Artists such as Drake, Tory Lanez, Eminem, and Jim Jones.
Today, Táta maintains a simplicity and sweetness that has endeared millions of people around the world. Her fan base spans the United States to Sweden, Spain to Japan. No matter the cultural surrounding, Táta carries an indescribable something that everyone can relate to. Her heart's desire is to reach as many people as possible by any means necessary with a message of love, hope, and prosperity.
"I've been a lot of places in my life, and at times felt like giving up but, I know God gave me these gifts to share and I am not done!"
"I want to encourage everyone that this is a space of love and uplifting peace. You have a purpose in this life, you are worth it, you are loved and you are love!"
Your Táta
Follow me
@OfficalTataVega
"I've been a lot of places in my life, and at times felt like giving up but, I know God gave me these gifts to share and I am not done!"
"I want to encourage everyone that this is a space of love and uplifting peace. You have a purpose in this life, you are worth it, you are loved and you are love!"
Your Táta
Follow me
@OfficalTataVega
"I've been a lot of places in my life, and at times felt like giving up but, I know God gave me these gifts to share and I am not done!"
"I want to encourage everyone that this is a space of love and uplifting peace. You have a purpose in this life, you are worth it, you are loved and you are love!"
Your Táta
Follow me
@OfficalTataVega
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