An Interview With The Viral YouTube Sensation, KIMBERLY HENDERSON!

Kimberly Henderson is the single mother whose beautiful lullaby of Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” went viral and has received over 30 million views and counting!  

Learn more about her incredible story in the following interview:

Can you remember the moment that you decided to be a performer?

I would say when I was 5.. My dream was to be a star like Whitney Houston but when I got older it was in 7th grade and my friends convinced me to do a talent show and I won. I sang “I Will Cross The Ocean For You” by Monica. 🙂

Why do you think this is your true calling?

Because it has been something I have dreamed of doing since I was a little girl. I never gave up. I love singing. It’s a huge passion of mine.

How do you think being a mom has influenced you as a musician?

It has given my life, singing and writing a lot more meaning. It actually drives me to want to succeed even more because I want my kids to be able to know they can have their dreams no matter what and to never give up.

Do you hope to create songs that your daughters will enjoy? Oh yes. My daughters love my songs. They also say ” play your song mama” I love it.

Let’s talk about your cover of Sam Smith’s rendition of Whitney Houston’s hit “How Will I Know”. Did you know that it was going to become such a viral video on YouTube?

No idea! I had no makeup on, my hair was a mess and if I would have known over 30 million people would view that video I would have definitely looked a little more presentable. But I think that’s the beauty in it. Just being natural. There is beauty in it.

What are some of your other favorite songs to cover? Are you working on any of them now?

I love covering a lot of Adele and Rihanna songs. And yes I am 🙂

You just released “Tiny Hearts”. What was the inspiration behind this song? What does it feel to release something is completely from your heart?  

My children are the inspiration. I had my first daughter who is almost 10 now when I was 17 and I missed out on a lot of just being a teenager but it was worth it. Coming home to her. Also my daughter Vaida who is 1.. She inspired me a lot with the song because I battled with the decision to carry her. I almost had an abortion at 11 weeks. I made it to the clinic sat for hours and got up and walked out. She is everything to me. I just know Everything happens for a reason.

I feels amazing to have something out there from the heart. I  love that the song connects with women and men of all ages. I have grandparents, single moms and dads, married moms and dads etc reach out to me and say they can relate to every word in the song. I love that.

More times than not, influences tend to bleed through. What artists have consistently inspired you?

Whitney Houston of course. Mariah Carey, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Rait, Sam Smith and Adele.  I love the power in their voices and how you can feel the emotion in every song.

Living or dead, who would you love to collaborate with and why?

Whitney Houston. She’s amazing. I wish she were still here because I would love to have met her. She was a true super star. She could sing the Barney song and give you chills. I always remembered listening to her and singing a lot to all her songs as a child.

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?

Since all this has happened.. It’s been really crazy.. I’m not used to people like wanting pics and autographs at all. I was at the dentist and a little girl ran up to me and she was almost in tears. She wanted a picture with me and I signed a picture. My heart just melted. I loved it. To have a little person come up to me and hug me because they love my music is just amazing.

Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know about you and your music?

My music is honest and real and it always will be. Music is supposed to make you feel something and that’s what I want to happen when people listen to my songs. As if they are in the song. Can’t wait to get more music out there and for people to know my story. It’s a beautiful one.