It is often said, "Legends Are Made" and that statement is very true when it comes to Bernice Harley.
Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, she had dreams and aspirations of being successful. Throughout elementary and high school, she honed her skills. Some say that Bernice was born to be successful and famous.
She excelled in all that she did and before long an opportunity to be an officer in the service came her way. That dream was put on hold when she received unexpected news, Bernice was expecting a bundle of joy.
With anticipation, she welcomed the bundle of joy- Joseph Harley, who would go on to make a mark in this world and the music world. Being a single mom was the most important task that could have been given. As Joseph grew and with the help of family and friends, Bernice began appearing on and off Broadway.
She has appeared as "Nell" in the famous stage production of Aint Misbehavin. Bernice was the soul of the show, from caressing the blues in "Mean to Me" to doing a little scat in the World War II ditty "Cash for Your Trash". Bernice gave tirelessly to the show and at the same time was a doting mother to her son.
It was also during this time that Joseph showed his musical side. She began to impress the love of music to her one and only son. Just imagine a bright eye young lad, standing on the side of the stage and seeing his mother push out one soul stirring number after another.
Joseph says," It was always exciting to see my mom on stage, she has always been a star to me."
Bernice then went on to perform in other Broadway productions as an understudy in such award winning productions as : Mamma, I Want to Sing, Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, a Apollo Singer in The Buddy Holly Story and a free slave in the moving "Civil War". Her touches of scat, soul and raw emotional proved to be a valid source of entertainment.
Even though Sista "B" as she is Affectionately called, has been given all of these anointed gifts and talents, she has never been remiss in spreading the message about God, and the love HE has for the whole world.
Throughout the successful runs of each production, Bernice single handledly raised a talented, humble and gifted musician. Joseph proved to be her motivation along with the Lord's direction. She went on to play "Sister Mary Hubert" in the play Nunsense.
Bernice is known throughout the world for her sweet spiritual presence and is known for the love she shares with all mankind. Fans are often amazed at how Humble she is. "I Feel as though it is a God given gift and talent and he created us to make a difference as artist", says Bernice.
Having traveled abroad, Bernice began to feel the need to spread the gospel throughout the land. Opportunities began to come from various parts of the world. She has travel abroad to Germany, Beirut, Lebanon as well as the Czech Republic, Ireland, Scandinavia and Poland.
While traveling abroad, Bernice was stricken with a life threatening illness. For awhile the Doctors didn't think she would make it, but Miraculously she did. And right by her side, her baby Joseph. "I could not even began to think of my mom not surviving, she is a woman of faith- She is my ROCK", exclaims Joseph.
Joseph, a Up & Coming Musician/Producer, who is Grammy Award Winner Chrisette Michelle's Musical Director, is a talent in his own right. After the health scare, Joseph moved back to Jersey City and made sure that his Internationally Known Mother was satisfied.
But the illness could not keep a Strong woman down for long, Bernice began to reflect on her trials and tribulations and began to write songs. These songs have proven to be an inspiration to others and once again, Bernice was back on the road and overseas.
In and out of the studio with her baby Boy Joseph and her daughter Yohanna Harley, she is making a difference and has come full circle. "I love to tell of the goodness of Jesus and how he brought me thru a tumultuous time," says Bernice.
She is currently in the studio with Joseph working on her self titled Project and is Excited about what the future holds. "Life Is Great and God is Good, I can wait to tell the World thru Song" exclaims Bernice.
Bernice Harley is truly a LEGEND in her own Right.
1 comment
truly inspiring!
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