Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bishop-Diggs.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am from a very small town just about an hour and some change from here, Athens. I started singing and acting at a very early age, probably too early to even remember. My father was a pastor and a singer in his earlier life so, naturally I had a passion for singing. I have always had an outgoing and extroverted personality and my parents really nurtured and encouraged me to go after my passions. Throughout my college career (graduate of Tennessee State University) I continued with the arts, singing and acting; and at the very young age of 19 I was presented with the opportunity to perform a one woman Show on Billie Holiday. Wow! The magnitude of who Billie Holiday was as an artist, was totally beyond me, I had no idea what I was getting into. It took a lot of researching, blood, sweat, and countless tears. The show is entitled Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grille and has been seen on Broadway as well; unfortunately, I was not the actress who was blessed with this opportunity but I still have my fingers crossed for future performances! Through the years, I have performed at the National Black Theatre Festival twice, The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and several other notable theatres around the country. I also have my own band here in Atlanta, Bishop and the Bassix. I am really eager to bring Billie Holiday to life in Atlanta. It is a powerful show that evokes emotions of happiness and much sadness. Music has always been “the best part of life” to me, BIlly Holiday used to say and, quite honestly I couldn’t have agreed with her more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but one that has been worth the drive. The tough part about being a performer includes the highs and lows. In my experience, I have had some really great experiences where I had a great paying shows every weekend, people booking me left and right, and money in the bank. But, the shows and gigs definitely ebbs and flows. And when I wasn’t booking shows left and right it was really tough; as I matured in the business I realized you have to always be “on”, always networking and always ensuring people know your name. That can be really difficult. I have experienced a lot of great opportunities in my early life that most have not, but I do believe when you are given a lot too soon you get used to it and expect it for every situation. But, again once I matured in this industry I realized that this business is hard work. There’s always someone that’s bringing something to the table you’re not. Another very difficult part of the business is starting a family while trying to maintain a fluid career. I have a small child that is my entire world and it is difficult to manage both a life in entertainment as well as be a super active mother. Being there for my son is very important to me. He is now at an age where he can come to the theater with me or come to the studio with me, so that’s great! But, initially it was extremely hard. My ex-husband and I are both in the entertainment business and we wanted to start a family, knowing the amount of attention that children need and deserve. I have always wanted to be a mother and didn’t want to sacrifice experiencing motherhood because of my desires of performing.. But, the other side of that was not being able to perform after having a small child; that was really hard and really depressing initially. But, I have learned how to manage both. I teach theater classes on the weekends and my son comes along with me, he’s kind of like my assistant lol. I have learned how to incorporate motherhood into my performance lifestyle. I Hope that my son will grow up and have admiration for my willingness to continue a career while being a radical mom at the same time!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
By day, I work in admin for a private school. But, I am a full actress and singer at heart. I have been featured in several notable shows and sang around the country with several bands. I am most notable for my Portrayal in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grille. I am most proud of where I am today; I have had a very hard five years that would take at least three days and several glasses of wine to talk through lol. What sets me apart from others? I’ve got hutzpah. I can’t be shaken easily. I am pretty humble, but confident in my talents. God has blessed me with a tremendous talent and a loving heart.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Oh my goodness! My favorite childhood memory? That’s a hard one… there’s so many, I had a pretty great childhood. This memory will probably piss my sister off, but it is funny to us now. When I was about seven, and my sister was 14….. I mean poor girl I used to really torment her, but we are super close now. So, I am guessing she must’ve made me really upset; so, I grabbed some cardboard that was laying around the house and made a sign that read “sister for sale: and hung it on the mail box. I don’t remember if it was my father who found the sign or my mother but, I can tell you that it was not a good ending for me lol.. me and my siblings still laugh about this to this day.
Contact Info:
- Email: luxuriouslady12@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bishopmuzikmama
Image Credits
Brayln Stokes Photography