The daughter of Reverend and Mrs. James Towns, Rhonda was led to her career by the sounds of music that filled the church and spiritual guidance from her father and mother. “Music has always been a part of my life. My dad's a minister and I starting singing in the church choir at a very young age. Faith and music are just in my blood.” Rhonda showed immediate signs that it was her destiny to become an entertainer. By the age of four, Rhonda, who is affectionately nicknamed Sissy, sang side-by-side with the adults in the choir at her father’s church. Her curls barely reaching her father’s knee, Rhonda’s voice echoed the entire house of worship.

As a fourth grader, Rhonda entered her very first talent show at her elementary school, winning first place for two consecutive years in the school’s competition. The attention drew scouts from a local weekly country music television show that invited Rhonda to become a regular talent. After serious family discussions and careful consideration, the decision was made to decline the offer as her mother and father decided Rhonda was entirely too young to begin her music career. Her education was paramount and Rhonda concentrated on school.

A talent like Rhonda’s was not to be ignored nor stifled. She entertained her classmates after school to perform (by request) at the front of the bus every afternoon. Rhonda enjoyed participating in public speaking, volleyball, track and field, the student body government, cheerleading, and of course, the school choir. By the time she graduated from high school, Rhonda was known by the church, her classmates and the entire community as the entertainer.

Rhonda attended college and pursued vocal training. An active student, she entered and won the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Miss Black Culture Pageant—the pageant’s primary concentrations were intelligence, talent and beauty. During her two years at the university, Rhonda became a valued member of the university gospel choir.

Rhonda credits her musical influences Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, and Vince Gill, “Reba has such strength and power in her voice. Patsy was soulful, bluesy, and had a unique country sound. She was way before her time. Loretta Lynn has an authentic sweet country voice that I truly believe is an extension of her personality. All of these women, in particular, are the combination that I strive to be as a country singer.”

Of all of these remarkable entertainers, Rhonda will tell you the woman who has made the biggest impression in her life and in her career is her mom. “My mother is my earthly spiritual partner. She has guided me through almost every challenge in life and in the pursuit of my dream. Her motto is ‘There is no such thing as can't…and…if they can do it, you can do it, too!’."

To compliment her simply natural talents as a country music singer, Rhonda’s motivation is moved by her genuine love for traditional country music and spiritual guidance. …And for her, there is a definite relationship between the two, “If you listen to old hymns and gospel songs from church and then you listen to an authentic country song, my gosh, you realize how closely they are related. A good old country music song just takes you back to church. I love good old church songs and I love to hear a good country song!”

Rhonda’s professional history includes working as a model, appearing in television commercials, runway and advertising print work under the direction of Ruth Leighton of Leighton Agency, Inc. Rhonda made her debut as a country music singer on Ed McMahon’s Star Search as a champion female country music artist.

Rhonda now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Actively pursuing her dream to become a major singing presence in the Country music industry, she divides her time traveling back and forth to Nashville on a regular schedule to work in the studio and oversee her primary business—her business as a country music entertainer.

Establishing herself in the country music community as a viable working artist, Rhonda has also made a number of special appearances. Rhonda has appeared on shows for the Black Country Music Association in Nashville as well as signing in the BCMA’s booth at the CMA Music Festival (Fan Fair). Rhonda was a highlighted country music artist for the BCMA on “Today’s Country” with Crook ‘n’ Chase and she enjoyed the honor to perform at the “First Annual Black Country Music Show” in Atlanta, Georgia. Rhonda produced her own show, “Plenty More Love” at the Chandler Center for the Arts in her hometown of Chandler, Arizona. She attracted the attention of promoter Albi Matter (of The International Artist-Agency of Switzerland) and was invited to perform as a headliner in Zurich, Switzerland. She was thrilled to accept and in February of 2000, Rhonda made her debut at the “16th Annual International Country Music Festival” (in two performances) to officially become the first black female country music artist to debut in Europe.

Upon her return to the United States, Rhonda was invited to appear on BET’s (Black Entertainment Television) popular show “ Live From L.A.” (an important opportunity to represent African-Americans in country music) where she sang “Storm Before the Calm” providing some audience members with their first real exposure to country music. On the interview couch, she gave her new fans a quick lesson on the significant contributions African-Americans have made to the Country music industry. It was a monumental success for Rhonda; the show aired in June 2000.

In April of 2003, Rhonda performed at the country music festival Country Thunder USA in Florence, Arizona. The rumblings and exposure created a buzz. Rhonda caught the eye and the ear of renowned producer Norro Wilson (Kenny Chesney/Reba McEntire/Sara Evans/Shania Twain/Tammy Wynette/George Jones) who ended up producing four songs for her to be included on her debut country music album entitled I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU.

Jim Cotton (who was the first producer for Billy Ray Cyrus and has also produced projects for Montgomery Gentry and Alabama) came on board to donate his time and experience to produce three more songs for Rhonda.

Being a small circle, Rhonda’s music landed in the hands of producer Harold Shedd (Reba McEntire/ShaniaTwain/Alabama/Toby Keith) who was impressed with what he heard and jumped into the mix. Harold and Jim joined together to produce two more songs and I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU (a priceless collaboration) was completed. This would be Rhonda’s initial introduction to country music radio and its fans.

The album contains the cut “Slow Rain,” (written by Dobie Gray whose remake of “Drift Away” reemerged as a big hit) and an a cappella performance of  “The Lord’s Prayer” (produced by Billy Williams).

I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU will prove to be quintessential. Delivering a modern feel with the authenticity of traditional country music, Rhonda reveals her distinct, smooth vocals mixed with a traditional country sound.

I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU is dedicated to Jim Cotton (who has since passed). Rhonda released her first single “I Wanna Be Loved By You” in 2005 on Dawn Records. Her second release from the CD, entitled “Somethin’Better,” is scheduled for February 2006 radio release. Rhonda shot the corresponding music video (produced by Steve Angus and Don Olea) which will be aired on television screens nationwide.

I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU will hit store shelves in late spring 2006.

Rhonda is a believer. She believes in the power of faith and spirituality. She believes in the power of song.…And her combination will move you. Rhonda Towns articulates her eloquent powers in I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU.