Roschelle Laughhunn
Biography
Roschelle Barnard Laughhunn was born December 22nd in Ann Arbor, MI to Wesley Barnard & Dorothea Wilson Barnard. She spent her childhood in Ypsilanti, MI and at aged 13 after her mother’s death moved to Mt. Clemens, MI.
As early as 7 years old, Roschelle would sing, earning quarters from her mother’s friends at card parties. In high school she modeled and sang in talent shows. Just after graduating high school she was discovered by the owner of The Gatsby club, located in the Colonial Hotel, Mt. Clemens, MI. The owner of the hotel introduced her to a band looking for a lead singer. Their singer, Anita Baker, had left to sign a recording contract. The band leader, renowned jazz drummer, Gene Dunlap asked her to sing one song and liked what he heard, thus began her professional career. The band broke up when Gene left to play for Earl Klugh on tour.
Roschelle subsequently married and began raising her family. She was a stay home mom for 12 years until her youngest child enrolled in school. After obtaining her state issued Manicurist license, she opened her nail salon, “A Small Indulgence.” She was asked by her client and friend, Rosemary Summers to co-host a radio talk show with her, “The Ro & Ro Show.” She worked in the hospitality industry as the Front Desk/Night Auditor for the storied Townsend Hotel. Finally, after working the front desk for an insurance agent, she obtained her licensing and became a licensed insurance agent for a few State Farm agents. She would sing for social events including family and friends private parties, throughout the years until her cousin, substitute bass player for Martha Reeves, Billy Wilson asked her to come sing back-up with him for the Jr. Walker Allstar Band
Currently she is Lead Producer for the Ivy Fields-Releford State Farm Agency with state licenses in Property & Casualty, Life, Health & Accident, Experienced Mobile Notary and Professional Singer, including singing with The Original Vandellas, Rosalind Holmes and Annette Helton, singing their greatest hits like Dancin’ In The Streets, Jimmy Mack, Come and Get These Memories and the Grammy® nominated (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave.