Unita Akins The River of Calm

About Unita (you-nee-tah): (See short bio at bottom of page)

  As a young girl Unita was surrounded by music. Her father and uncle both were musicians of the highest caliber, and music was part of her everyday life. Exposed to all kinds of music including jazz, classical, big band, and folk music, Unita began to write, sing and perform at an early age. ”I remember at the age of 10, sitting in church and hearing my father sing in public for the first time. He sang like an angel and it brought tears to my eyes. I knew right then and there I wanted to sing like him and move others in the same way."
 

   When Unita’s father died of heart disease, she sought solace from her grief by writing more songs that seemed to flow as never before. “My father’s legacy of love was not just inheriting his angelicvoice…it was because of him I discovered how music can truly heal the heart. I can actually feel spirit guiding my words and soaring through my veins when I sing,” said Unita.

   After singing around her hometown in South Carolina, Unita moved to Atlanta and began a career as a folk singer in clubs and various venues. She would also do the occasional radio commercial, and began her serious writing of original music while working as an administrative assistant by day to cover her living expenses.

   Soon Unita met her husband Joseph Akins, and together they formed their independent record label, HeartSong Music, in 1997.  Together Unita and Joseph have created and produced original music for CDs, video and film. Unita was invited to write and sing on popular artist Herb Ernst’s two albums released by Mystic Visions, Bringers of the Dawn and Angels and Ecstasy, and a wonderful friendship was formed.  Unita then invited Joseph and Herb to collaborate on her album Through the Veils, and from this collaboration, extraordinary music was born. Her debut album Through the Veils was recorded and released to rave reviews in the late 90’s. “Unita’s mesmerizing voice is utterly breathtaking,” said NAPRA Review. “Unita’s warm grace, beautiful voice and touching words are a delight,” said Steve Ryals of NAR.

   Unita’s background in marketing and public relations has helped her with the business side of the music industry. She owned and operated a talent agency, was a staff writer, celebrity interviewer, and account executive for a national magazine, served as public relations director for a computer software corporation, and currently continues to work as a Realtor in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Still, music is her first love. “The music is in my blood, and will always be a major part of my life and who I am,” said Unita.