Janee Michelle

Geneva "Gee" was born into a large family with deep roots in the Seventh Ward. She is what New Orleans natives call a "Creole's Creole". Her father was a barber who owned a business on St. Anthony Street and her mother was a hairdresser. She was the second born in a close knit family of four siblings which consisted of an older brother Walbert and two younger sisters, Zernell and Zona. She always wanted to be an entertainer and as a child would dance and rehearse skits to perform for family and friends in the neighborhood. Encouraged by Mrs. Leah McKenna, Principal at Rivers Frederick Junior High School, she participated in whatever recital or program being presented at the school or other venue. She credits her mother for being her staunchest supporter "who was the foundation of my life and all my successes." Her earliest memories of performers who inspired her are of Pearl Bailey, Eartha Kitt and Lena Horne appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. The family relocated and she arrived in L