Meet Catherine : Boogiemoonband

Meet Catherine

Vocalist with the Boogiemoonband

Entranced by Elvis when she was little, local legend Catherine Nightingale grew up to sing all over the UK and beyond, and still loves sharing her gift and giving people joy.

How did it all start?

One of my earliest memories is lying under the gramophone aged five and being moved to tears by Elvis's "In the Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds"... and even back then I just knew I wanted to be a singer.

What were your influences as you grew up?

Well I’m from a musical family. My father was a professional jazz singer, entertainer and actor, my sister Maxine is a singer best known for the 60’s hit “Right back from where we started from”, my other sister Josephine is also a singer, my brother Glen is a guitarist who's played with the Gap Band and Stevie Wonder among others, and my stepfather “Hendy” Henderson Holmes was a bass player with the Century Steel Band, Coventry.

I was always drawn to the sound of backing singers. I would listen to the female backings of every song and sing the harmony parts with sister Jo. And it was always soul: Otis Redding, Diana Ross: I’m Still Waiting and Theme from Mahogany - very special.

In the spotlight ...

What do you love about playing live?

The way it makes other people and me feel emotions. I’m very grateful to be able to do what I do, share my gift and give people joy.

What does it feel like when you’re performing?

I used to be shy about it and didn’t think I could be a soloist, but now it’s exhilarating, a bit emotional; I get happy even on days that are not happy - rarely nervous.