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By Elle Michelle \u2013 There is a particular kind of magic that happens when a voice carries more than melody. When it carries memory. When it carries lineage. Rainere Martin the internationally celebrated Donna Summer tribute artist, possesses that kind of voice, and on Friday, March 27, she will bring it to the Florida Theatre stage for an evening of music, movement, and pure, unfiltered joy.<\/p>\n
In an exclusive interview with the Jacksonville Free Press, Rainere traced the origins of her artistry to a home overflowing with song. Her grandmother, a gifted vocalist who once turned down a record contract to care for her family, filled their household with the sounds of Lou Rawls, Ella Fitzgerald, and Phyllis Hyman. Her mother continued that tradition. By the time Rainere found her own voice, music was not something she chose. It was something she inherited.<\/p>\n
The inheritance became destiny when her mother bought her a 45 of Donna Summer\u2019s \u201cOn the Radio\u201d at age six. She played it relentlessly, and something extraordinary revealed itself: her tone was remarkably close to Donna\u2019s. What began as a child singing along to a record became a career when audiences at karaoke nights started asking whether they were hearing a live voice or the original. \u201cI was just so blessed that my tone was so close to Donna\u2019s,\u201d she said. \u201cIt made heads turn.\u201d That song remains her signature to this day.<\/p>\n
For 14 years, Rainere has carried that blessing across the world, performing in casinos, theaters, and festivals to raving reviews. She has graced stages alongside Evelyn \u201cChampagne\u201d King, Tavares, and The Stylistics. But the highlight of her career, she shared, was performing with Joe Esposito, who recorded the duet \u201cHeaven Knows\u201d with Donna Summer. \u201cI watched him on Soul Train with her as a little girl,\u201d she recalled. \u201cIf you\u2019d have told me I\u2019d be there with him many moons later, I would have never believed you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her legacy extends beyond the stage. A California producer discovered her voice online and enlisted her to record \u201cHot Stuff\u201d for the Wicked Wheel slot machines now featured in casinos nationwide. \u201cIt never gets old,\u201d she said. \u201cEvery state I travel to, I make my way to that machine and hear my voice coming out.\u201d For Rainere, the recording represents permanence. \u201cI\u2019ve left something to the world. My voice is there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jacksonville, get ready. Rainere promises a show where six year olds dance like they knew Donna personally and grown folks shed joyful tears remembering the disco era. Her song list spans six decades, her stage presence is electric, and her mission is singular. \u201cI don\u2019t want anybody walking out of that theater without a smile on their face,\u201d she said. \u201cThere will only ever be one Donna Summer. I just do my best to bring back the memories she gave to others.\u201d<\/p>\n
For tickets and more info visit:<\/p>\n