I first encountered Audrey Smaltz while exploring the Johnson Publishing archive at the Stony Island Arts Bank. I pulled a 1954 edition of Jet Magazine off the shelf where inside lived a photo of Audrey hanging off the back of a firetruck. Her expression stayed with me, and I had to know more about her. From being crowned ‘Miss Transit Queen’ at 17-years-old, to becoming a fashion editor for the Ebony Fashion Fair in the ‘70s, her story inspired my song, “New York Transit Queen”.

My new series #BehindBlackRainbows explores the inspirations and untold stories behind each track off my new album.