Before the SAMMY Awards, Tyjhier Goodman, artistically known as Tyjhier, was a kid in Syracuse sitting in amazement in front of the TV, watching performers.
She would watch old Soul Train clips, re-watch scenes from The Wiz and Dreamgirls, and try to recreate what she saw. Inspired by artists like Alicia Keys and the neo-soul music her parents played around the house, Tyjhier soon began taking piano and vocal lessons of her own.
“I would rewatch clips over and over and try to emulate what I was seeing,” said Tyjhier.
Looking back, she credits Syracuse with helping her build the confidence that would eventually carry her far beyond Central New York…