Vicki Hendley began developing her musical talent at a very early age. She was about eight or nine years old when she wrote her first song one afternoon while at home sitting in front of her piano in the early 1980’s. She remembers how much she enjoyed playing notes on the piano and humming along to the melodies. The very simplistic way in which the keys were being played lead to even more simplistic vocabulary that she just had to share with her older brother in hopes of receiving a positive reaction! Some of those first song lyrics included, “I’m flying in the sky with a piece of pumpkin pie”. And, although this newly found song writing ability would take a ten year hiatus, she is grateful to have had that piano in her childhood years and credits her love for singing, in part, because of this memory!
Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, Vicki has been singing professionally since 1995, when she first accompanied a local Indianapolis female artist as back-up vocalist and assisted in forming her first (of many) 4-piece, cover band. The following year, she appeared on a local cable T.V. Talent show and continued to perform with bands at venues in and around the Indianapolis area. While living in Indiana she performed for many local events including:
· Indy 500 parties
· Corporate Parties
· Indianapolis Colts Pre-game Parties
· Indianapolis Mayor, Bart Peterson’s Welcoming Committee Party
· Music Festivals
In 2001, she and her newlywed husband moved to North Houston, TX where she later found work as a studio singer and began recording more original songs, as she continues to collaborate with local Houston songwriters. One of these songs led her to become a First Place Winner in a music competition sponsored by Colgate andheld at the Crighton Theater.
In May 2004, she was selected as one of only nine semi finalists in the nation for the American Idol Ford Casting Call Contest. Her video was on the American Idol website. In November 2004, she was selected as one of only 25 contestants (out of over 800 who auditioned) for the singing competition/T.V. show, “Gimme The Mike Houston!” She also competed in various singing competitions, including placing third in the International Blues Challenge held in Houston, TX.
In January 2006, Vicki won first place in a singing competition held at the Marriott Waterway in The Woodlands, TX and on March 23, 2006, she was an opening act for National R&B Sony Recording Artist, Donell Jones, in Houston, TX.
More recently, in Nov 2007, Vicki assisted her husband, Scott and his business partner, Tim Elliott to open their first Upscale Blues Bar, “ROCK WINE & BLUES” located in Humble TX. Although this awe inspiring concept was Scott’s vision and dream, we couldn’t be happier with everyone’s contribution – from our awesome bar manager, CJ and outstanding staff to our top notch musicians and wonderful patrons!
Vicki also performs at ROCK WINE & BLUES weekly with a variety of quality Blues/Rock/Motown musicians (from local to national to world renowned players) and she frequently headlines (as often as possible)!
Thanks to all family, friends and fans who help make my music and singing ambitions come to life!
In MARCH 2008 Vicki was Cover story for popular Texas music magazine, "North of the Border"! Many thanks to all who help contribute to this fine publication.
Vicki Hendley
