I call myself SAMMIE ISRAEL for several reasons. I am not trying to get caught up in a name but this one has certain meaning. On December 17,1972, I was named Sammie Grant Carter Jr. Sadly my birth father passed on when I was around the age of 15. SAMMIE is in honor of my father. ISRAEL is a consciousness in knowing yourself spiritually, physically, and mentally. To be honest, sharing the same last name with President Jimmy Carter, and knowing the history of slavery inspired me to discover my true origin on the planet. I chose the name ISRAEL because it represents the CREATIVE ELOHEEM. I write, produce & perform. Music has been part of my life for more than 15 years. My origin is the Chicago land area, specifically Michigan City, Indiana where I was born & raised. I attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. This is when I became a life-long member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, INC. Or Que-Dawgs as most commonly known. I have done thousands of shows and worked in numerous recording studios which led to exposure throughout the country including the Apollo tryouts in Manhattan NY, jazz clubs in Cincinnati OH, Lakeshore Drive in Chicago IL, Los Angeles & Riverside counties & various other venues. This new CD represents the many experiences that recording and performances have led me to. I cannot emphasize enough on how important it is to me, to give the listeners what they enjoy hearing as well as stay true to my background & current surroundings. My love, for them, shows through my songs. The way and manner in which listeners have responded so positively throughout the years of performing has proven to be a clear indication of how fans have definitely been extremely instrumental in the creation & appreciation of my music. I absolutely love creating music for everyone to enjoy. "This is what I do." PEACE & LOVE