Parenting Panel with Marla Lewis: “How Parenting Rekindled My Creative Fire”
Marla Lewis, a multi talented artist hailing from New Jersey, has established a remarkable career as a singer, songwriter, and educator.
Renowned for her impeccable vocals and sophisticated musical arrangements, Marla's work spans an impressive array of genres, encompassing children’s music, smooth jazz, as well as American standards.
Her latest single, “Te Quiero a Ti,” available in both Spanish and English, demonstrates her versatility with a captivating groove and ambience.
Over her 25-year tenure as an elementary school teacher, Marla developed a passion for creating songs that are both educational and entertaining for children. This dedication led to significant achievements, including her song “Leap of Faith,” co-written with Nancy Schimmel and featured on the Grammy-winning album “All About Bullies … Big and Small” in 2011. Her acclaimed children’s albums, “I Love to Talk to Plants” (2009) and “We All Laugh in the Same Language” (2007), produced by Bob Stander, have earned prestigious accolades such as the Parent’s Choice Gold and NAPPA Gold awards.
Marla's foray into smooth jazz and American standards with her debut album “Songbook,” produced by two-time Grammy-winning producer Bob Stander, marked a significant shift in her career and received critical acclaim for its 14 original tracks. Building on this success, she released “Songbook Volume 2 (SBV2),” which further explores smooth jazz, cabaret, and American standards, featuring an accomplished ensemble and achieving notable chart success with its first single, “Enchantée.”
Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical influences, including Ella Fitzgerald, big band, global folk music, The Beatles, Laura Nyro, Carole King, James Taylor, Michael Franks, and Phoebe Snow, Marla continues to enchant audiences with her innovative and heartfelt compositions.
Her music has a tremendous ability to blend different styles and genres, creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners of all ages.
We are so delighted to have caught up with Marla for an exclusive interview with us to find out more about her experience of motherhood, music and creativity:
How many children do you have? And what are their names and ages?
We have seven children! They are my partner’s late sister’s children, and we have been raising them since September of 2008.
Their names are: Josh, Moriah, John Aaron, Eliah, Anya, Josiah, and Jonas.
When the kids first came to us in 2008.
Anya, 9, Moriah, 15, Jonas, 3, Eliah, 11, John Aaron, 12, Josh, 17, Josiah, 7
Did you have fears or concerns about how becoming a parent would interfere with your artistic endeavors?
We didn’t have time to think about any of that! The children were in distress, as their father was, to put it mildly, not taking care of them properly. We flew from NY to NC, went to court, and were awarded immediate custody. No guidebook available! We took off from work to get the children settled in, had them vaccinated, and enrolled them in school (they’d never been there!). Their ages were 3-17. We were both public school teachers. We retired a year later to be there for the kids.
In what ways has parenthood helped your creativity?
It opened an entirely new channel in my brain. Suddenly the welfare of seven was in our hands, and my world opened up. I was helping with bathing, homework, anxiety, toilet training, shopping for clothes and – GROCERIES! The entire town of Wantagh showed up to donate furniture and cook dinner for a month! I thought about the kindness of others, the children’s need to heal (therapy for all)…it was all fodder for my writing. I even brought the younger ones in the recording studio for singing and speaking parts. I also created a video with the children.
A few years later …
What has parenthood taught you about yourself, your music, or your creative process?
Suddenly my partner and I had to think of other people before ourselves. We were so happy that the children were now in our care, because they had lived with hunger and fear before. It has filled up our hearts. Also, the kids are a delight to be with. Two of the boys told me that they took up guitar because of me!
How do you juggle your family and your career? Who’s your support system?
We are retired now, and the kids are all adults, so it’s much easier. We have just two remaining at home. Consequently, I have had lots of time to resume my songwriting after a 7-year hiatus. My focus has shifted from Children’s Music to Smooth Jazz. The kids and my partner are my support system.
Do your children inspire / inform your music?
All the time! I have written many tunes for them for birthdays, graduations, and sometime just to be goofy! They remind me of the childlike parts of myself, the wonder of when everything seemed new. Also, I play songs in progress for them to get their reaction. They are painfully honest (LOL). They come up with great suggestions. Sometimes they remind me that my style of music is NOT what they listen to!
All nine siblings here: Anya, Israel, Johanna, Josh, Eliah, Jonas, Moriah, , Josiah, John Aaron
Have you ever written a song for or about your kids?
Many! The only one I have released so far is on my first SONGBOOK album, called “The Apple of my Eye.” It’s about our youngest boy, Jonas. I remember when I got the idea for the song: he was playing with the waves on the beach and my heart filled with love.
Listen to “The Apple of My Eye”:
And here’s a video called “Se Habla Español” that I worked on with my kids!:
Listen to Marla’s brand new single “Te Quiero a Ti”, which is out now in both English and Spanish renditions!
Keep up to date with Marla Lewis:
Website // Facebook // Instagram // Spotify // Soundcloud // Apple Music // YouTube Music