I love singing Donna's music and I have some people looking into getting me to perform outside of the states. I've had people tell me "Girl if you made it to Germany your butt would not come back." Germany appreciates talent in general. So one of my goals is to get over there. And I do want to branch off into me but I want to continue to spread the love cause Donna's not here anymore.
She passed in May 2012 and I began performing as her with Legends in September 2012. A month before she passed I was looking into going to see her perform since I had never seen her live and in concert before but there were dates online. Then a month later I found out she passed away. "I guess it hit me because it was so final. That now at this point I'd never get to see her perform." Not long after I started with Legends I got an opportunity to perform for Donna Summer's sisters and relatives at a mural tribute for her in Boston. I actually brought one of her sister's to tears. She said when she closed her eyes while I was singing she could have sworn it was her sister singing.
Rychael: That's really special Rainere. And great that you got to perform for her family. Wow! Tell me, what or who inspires you:
Rainere Martin: My grandmother, Helen E. Hale, whom I lost back in 2009. She is one of my inspirations because I got my talent and looks from her. She chose her family over her career in singing. It's so hurtful to me because she wasn't able to see me shine. She would be so proud of me. Before I step out on every show I always say a prayer and I just thank God, I thank my grandmother, and I thank Donna because there are some days that are harder than others, and the voice is not there. So I just pray to God and ask that He gives my grandmother one shoulder and Donna the other shoulder to help me get through. But yes my grandmother was my inspiration. It's because of her that I even have a voice.
Rychael: Wonderful and very inspirational. Thank you Rainere. Lastly, what advice would you give to other singers and performers?
Rainere Martin: Never give up. That is so important. Because I wasted twenty years. Even though it probably wasn't my time back then. But who knows, if I hadn't given up for twenty years, where I'm at now, I could have been ten years ago.
Follow Rainere Martin on social media
IG: @martinrainere
Facebook: @donnatribute.rainere
www.badgirls-donnasummertribute.com/
I've come a long way but I'm still in my struggle. I'm still hustling.
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