Inspiring Conversations with Zabrina Horton of MUSIC MEMORY LANE INC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zabrina Horton.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey has been a bold pivot—from entertainment to impact, but still rooted in the same thing: creating unforgettable moments.

I went from building buzz for celebrities to creating joy for seniors—and somehow, it all makes perfect sense.

I spent over 30 years in entertainment public relations, including 12 years at BET in Los Angeles, working behind the scenes on major cultural moments in music, television, and film. I helped shape stories, elevate talent, and create experiences that people talked about long after the lights went down. High energy, high visibility, unforgettable moments—that was my world.

In 2019, I relocated from Los Angeles to Atlanta—perfect timing, just before the world shut down during COVID. That season of transition created space for reflection, and ultimately, redirection.

Then life shifted the spotlight.

While caring for my aging mother-in-law, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks—music cutting through dementia in a way nothing else could. A song would come on, and suddenly there was recognition, movement, joy. It was powerful. At the same time, I was raising a child later in life, living that real “raising your parents while raising your kids” experience. It gave me a whole new understanding of connection, caregiving, and what truly matters.

That’s when everything clicked.

I founded Music Memory Lane, a nonprofit that turns everyday spaces into moments of joy for older adults—especially those living with dementia—through music, movement, and engagement. We’re not just pressing play on a playlist—we’re locking eyes, holding hands, dancing, singing, and bringing people back to themselves in real time.

And now, we’re growing—expanding into communities, parks, and public spaces with our “Summer of ’26” tour, bringing that same energy beyond facility walls.

The truth is, I didn’t leave entertainment—I repurposed it.

I still know how to read a room.
I still know how to move a crowd.
I still know how to create a moment people feel.

Only now, those moments aren’t about headlines—they’re about humanity.

And that’s the most powerful audience I’ve ever served.

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 has definitely not been a smooth road—and I think it’s important to say that out loud.

One of the biggest challenges has been building something from scratch while simultaneously living real life in a very full way. I’m part of what’s called the “sandwich generation”—people who are caring for aging parents while still raising children. In my case, I had our son at 48, so I was navigating both ends at the same time. That’s not just a time commitment—it’s emotional, financial, and mental.

There are days when you’re making decisions about your mission, your business, and your future… while also making decisions about caregiving, household expenses, and how everything is going to get paid. That pressure is real.

Professionally, shifting from a 30-year career in entertainment PR—where I had access, relationships, and a certain level of ease—into the nonprofit world has been humbling. You’re no longer walking into rooms with built-in credibility or budgets. You’re asking. You’re pitching. You’re proving the value over and over again.

Funding is probably the biggest ongoing challenge. The impact of Music Memory Lane is immediate—you can see it in people’s faces, their movement, their engagement—but translating that into consistent revenue, grants, and sponsorships takes time and persistence. It’s a different kind of hustle.

And then there’s the internal challenge—learning to shift from doing everything yourself to building something sustainable. Letting go, trusting others, staying focused on revenue and partnerships, even when your heart just wants to be in the room doing the work.

But the truth is, the challenges have shaped me as much as the wins. This work is deeply personal, and that’s what keeps me going—even on the hard days.

Because when you see someone light up from a song they thought they’d forgotten… it reminds you exactly why you started.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Music Memory Lane is a nonprofit dedicated to restoring joy, dignity, and connection for older adults—especially those living with dementia—through music and movement experiences that awaken memory and celebrate life.

At its core, we specialize in creating high-energy, deeply engaging sessions that go far beyond simply playing music. We use familiar songs from participants’ younger years as a bridge to spark recognition, conversation, movement, and emotional connection. Every session is interactive—whether that’s singing, dancing (seated or standing), rhythm play, or storytelling. We meet people where they are and bring them into the moment.

What sets us apart is the experience.

This isn’t passive entertainment—it’s full-on engagement. We’re in the room, locking eyes, holding hands, cheering people on, and turning everyday spaces into something that feels more like a celebration than an activity. It’s often described as “party meets purpose,” and that energy is intentional.

We’re also uniquely positioned because of my background in entertainment. I understand how to read a room, build energy, and create moments that people feel. That translates directly into our work with seniors—we’re producing experiences, not just programming.

Another key differentiator is our intergenerational approach. Through our Jr. Flashback Squad, we’re creating opportunities for younger generations—students in dance, band, and the arts—to engage with seniors in meaningful ways. It becomes a shared experience that bridges generations through music and movement.

What I’m most proud of is the impact you can see immediately. You’ll walk into a room where people may be disengaged or quiet, and within minutes, they’re clapping, singing, moving, smiling—even recalling memories. Caregivers and families often tell us, “I haven’t seen them like this in a long time.”

That’s the brand.

We’re not just delivering a service—we’re creating moments that bring people back to themselves. And in many cases, we’re also supporting caregivers by giving them a glimpse of connection that can be hard to access day to day.

As we continue to grow, we’re expanding beyond senior living communities into parks, community centers, and public spaces through our “Summer of ’26” tour—because this experience shouldn’t be limited to one setting. Joy, music, and connection belong everywhere.

At the end of the day, what we want people to know is simple: music is powerful—but it’s the human connection around it that makes the difference. “Music is powerful—but it’s the human connection around it that brings people back to themselves.”

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I learned the hard way that not everyone moves with integrity—I was scammed out of a significant amount of money after relocating to Atlanta. Lesson learned: trust your instincts, but verify everything. And I also take accountability—I own the fact that I could have done more due diligence. That experience made me sharper, more disciplined, and more intentional about how I build and protect what I’m creating.

Pricing:

• Standard Session Rate: $150–$200 per session (typically 45–60 minutes)
• Community Events / Public Programming: Custom pricing based on scope, audience size, and location (including parks, senior centers, and special events)
• “We Come to You” Experiences: Mobile sessions for facilities, organizations, and private groups
• Sponsored Sessions: Opportunities for corporations, foundations, and donors to underwrite sessions for low-income seniors and underserved communities
• Lunch & Learn / Partner Activations: Custom pricing for collaborative experiences with community partners (e.g., wellness, nutrition, caregiving-focused events)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.musicmemorylane.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicmemorylanerocks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574222833021
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/music-memory-lane/?viewAsMember=true
• Twitter: https://x.com/MMLRocks1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlashbackSquadPod
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@musicmemorylanerocks1

Image Credits
Red carpet blue blouse: Rick Diamond
Red carpet yellow dress: Fred Prouser