Candace Bellamy: “Put Down The Foot”

Photo by David Helsler

When Candace Bellamy’s mother told her she could truly do anything with her life, Bellamy took that advice to heart. She first went to medical school, surviving that gauntlet to become a doctor and open a practice in her home state of Tennessee. But throughout her time, she’s always maintained a love of music, and six years ago, she finally took a leap and moved to Austin to pursue her passion.

While maintaining her medical practice, Bellamy has ingrained herself into the local music scene. With her previous experience singing in choirs, Bellamy first took to the theatrical stage, appearing in a critically-acclaimed R&B adaptation of Porgy & Bess. She then linked up with Ruth Carter who–along with her husband Bill–wrote dozens of hits for Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Palmer, and John Mayall. In 2011, Bellamy debuted with A Thousand Shades of Blue, an EP featuring six songs that Bellamy co-wrote with Carter. Bassist Jimi Calhoun–who’s worked with Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Dr. John, and others–added his touch to Bellamy’s smoky soul songs.

Now Bellamy is set for her full-length debut. Once again, she’s joined by Carter and Calhoun for In My Lane, due out May 14. This week saw the release of the album’s first taste, the sly “Put Down The Foot.” The R&B-inspired strut is also a powerful call-to-action for stepping up and doing the right thing when confronted with adversity. Coming from a woman who’s successful in both the medical and musical fields, it’s a message that especially resonates.

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