Feeling The Rain — Rhonda Towns Hits Classic Country Vibes With Dobie Gray Single ‘Slow Rain’

Rhonda Towns Hits Classic Country Vibes
With Dobie Gray Single ‘Slow Rain’

NASHVILLE Songwriter Dobie Gray, who with Ricky Ray Rector and Bud Reneau wrote the single “Slow Rain,” says that singer Rhonda Towns’ recording illustrates that “She has faith in this song and, as a writer, I can tell you, she delivers it. At the risk of making comparisons, her style reminds me a lot of one of my all-time favorite country artists, John Anderson.”

Scott Soderberg of KAUS-Austin, Minn., describes the singer as having a “magical sound reminiscent of days gone by when Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette brought the women of country music to the foreftont of a male-dominated industry.” He added that Towns broke ground for women of color with the release of “Somethin’ Better’ and “I Wanna Be Loved By You.” Now, her new single, “Slow Rain,” is “drawing strong play requests from U-S Country 99.9 listeners,” he added.

Jim Patrick, of KIKT-FM, Greenville, Texas, says that “In this world of ‘cookie cutter’ singers, Rhonda Towns is one that breaks the mold. For proof, just listen to ‘Slow Rain.” Crank it up and enjoy because you’re listening to a rare talent that deserves to be heard! Rhonda is talented, creative, beautiful, and oozes the ‘IT factor!'”

The mesmerizing singer is the daughter of the 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,” she said. “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.”

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.

However, she entertained her classmates after school, performing (by request) at the front of the bus every afternoon. She 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 Pageantthe 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.

Like many female music artists, Towns credits her musical influences to 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 be