Elise

Born Ashley "Elise" Haralson on March 18th, 1980, this young and talented singer/songwriter knew that she was destined to be in the music industry. A native of Memphis, TN, the birthplace of greats like B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, and of course Elvis Presley, this young talent started her singing at the age of three; performing for her teachers in daycare. For the next 15 years, Elise would be continuously involved in music ventures both in and outside of school.
Elise's musical persona was shaped and formed while attending Overton Performing Arts High School; the alma mater of actress Elise Neal, the late Grammy-nominated Gospel musician Olanda' Draper, singer Wendy Moten, and many other talented artists. Her only form of vocal training came from that of the world-renound, Disney teacher of the Year Award recipient, Lulah M. Hedgeman, who for four years ,sculpted her and molded her into the phenomenal artist she is today.
While in high school, Elise was a member of two very talented female R&B groups. The first was a trio by the name of "Casual," where she had a hand in writing the groups material. She also penned for the group, "Protege'," an all-girl quartet with which she toured the city performing in several events; including the Juneteenth Festival and Beale Street Music Awards. Later, the group changed its name to "Phenomenal" and included an outstanding vocalist by the name of Equoia Coleman who you may remember from season II of American Idol.
During her brief college years, Elise went on to perform at various venues in the city. This eventually landed her the opportunity to become the sole female vocalist for the group "Soul Connection," performing cover tunes throughout the city of Memphis. Later she decided to leave school to further pursue her musical career. It was during that time that she auditioned for a well-known band by the name of "Trio Plus," where she was once again, the only female vocalist. While singing with the band, Elise was able to play major events in the city of Memphis, including the Awards ceremony for the Memphis Chapter of "100 Black Men," where she was featured in "Elite Memphis Magazine."
Shortly after, Elise decided to take a major step and move to the city of Atlanta. At the age of 21, she packed her bags and left her home family, and friends to continue to make her dreams come true. During the short time she was in Atlanta, Elise gained the opportunity to perform at several clubs and events in the Metro-Atlanta area, scheduled to open for acts such as Tyreese and Lil' John & the Eastside Boyz. She has also made contact with the likes of Award-winning producers, Jazzy Pha, Dallas Austin, Roland Clark, Rob McDowell, and Tim Thomas. She has also worked with several talented producers whose tracks were featured on the albums of "Dru Hill," "Hammer," and Outkast protégé' "Killa Mike."
Elise's vocal contributions can also be heard on the album entitled "Simply" by Alvin "Ace" Watkins; formerly of "Public Announcement;" as well as the debut album of Atlanta's own rap group "Ill Characters" where she is featured on eight of their songs. One of the singles, "Blunt Trauma," can be heard on Atlanta's own 88.5, WGSU in the evening rotation.
In time, the talent and personality of Elise will soon shine through her lyrical ability and sultry singing style. Her intelligence, determination, and perseverance definitely deem her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.