“I Bless the Poverty” is dedicated to Jayne’s Mom, Edith, and to all who have CHOSEN to overcome adversity. The opening lyrics specifically describe Edie’s experience as a child growing up in her first home in the tenements on Cherry Street in New York City. It is a tribute to her character and resilience and to the many people who have CHOSEN to overcome adversity and not let it defeat them. Edith was born to extreme poverty and atrocious living conditions in New York City. She was the youngest of 6 children & her immigrant parents were both ill. She graduated from Julia Richman High School with honors and received a scholarship to Hunter College which she turned down so she could go to work and help support her family. With one pair of shoes to her name and a dress that her sister, Rose, handmade which she wore for her job interview; Edith was hired as the secretary to the head of the Navy. Six days a week she made the 2 hour ride to work on the C train and the D train to get to the Brooklyn Navy yard. She made and saved her money and it was Edie who had the down payment on their new house when she married Jayne’s Dad! When Jayne asked long time co-writer/co-producer, J Donte, to collaborate on the song; they felt it was destiny as Donte’s story as well as his Mother’s were so similar to Edith’s. He also endured extreme poverty as a child in a household with 5 siblings and 2 beds! The song truly resonated with Donte as you can hear in his heartfelt performance. Artist: J Donte credits: © ℗ 2014 written, produced, engineered and all music performed by Jayne Olderman & J. Donte Harris Background vocals: J Donte, Dana Rice and Jayne Olderman Mastering: Rodney Mills Masterhouse “We hope you, the listener, are touched, moved, entertained & encouraged by the song and, if you are experiencing adversity and challenges in your life, know that YOU can CHOOSE to rise above it and “defeat adversity”!” Jayne & Donte cover photos top Harlem Sidewalk 1939. Photo: Sid Grossman lower left: Mulberry Street from the book “The American Odyssey” taken between 1888-1924 lower right: Hester Street early 1900s