True Soul – Making Footprints in Panama City

BY VICTORIA STEWART; PHOTOS BY KATIE DESANTIS

True Soul is a local band that has gained increasing popularity in Panama City over the past couple of years. The band consists of lead singer and founder, Glenn Belser, Josh Singleton on keyboards and backup vocals, and Jarrett Streeter (nicknamed Street) on drums. They play R&B, Rock-n-Roll, Country and everything from the ’60s through current Rock/ Pop. True Soul is more than just a great band; they are entertainers and Panama City Living Magazine’s readers voted True Soul the best local band in 2014. The band knows how to fill up the house and plays at many local venues. Glenn’s voice is worthy of a record label and he gives it his all. Their set list is diverse and popular and includes great songs by artists such as Etta James, Al Green, Guns-n-Roses, and Bruno Mars. Performing every era of music and almost every genre, Glenn can belt it out like it was his own. Add Josh on keyboards singing surprisingly great Johnny Cash, and Street beating a rhythm you can’t sit still to, and you have a recipe for great entertainment. True Soul is a crowd pleaser that packs the dance floor!

At the onset of True Soul in 2011, Josh was playing the guitar, bass guitar and keyboards all on the keyboard as they did not have these musicians. Their drummer, Street joined the band in August of 2013. Other musicians played with them in the past, but the core band is Glenn, Josh and Street.

Glenn credits his wife, Kayla, “Without Kayla, this band would not be as far. Kayla is the backbone of this band.” She manages all aspects of True Soul, booking the band’s gigs, doing public relations and advertising, and taking care of all the finances. This takes the business burdens off of the band so they can concentrate on performing. She does all this and takes care of family – Glenn and Kayla are proud parents to their new baby girl, Savannah Grace, who will celebrate her first birthday this December.

Glenn was born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina. His first performance at the age of six, was singing Everlasting Life a cappella in church where his mother was a pastor and played piano. Glenn later sang in a gospel group named God’s Chosen. His biggest musical influences have been Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Al Green. While visiting his aunt in New York City in 1990, he won a singing competition at the World Famous Apollo Theatre. Having visited and digging the music scene here, Glenn moved to Panama City in 2001. He met his wife, Kayla, in 2006 and she has been instrumental in helping Glenn realize his vision of forming his own band. The name True Soul came to him in a dream he had in 2009. In 2010 and 2011 he auditioned for the X-Factor and won the local competition both years. Focused on putting a band together, he attended a talent show where he would meet Josh Singleton through a drummer he was interested in having play in his band. Hearing Josh play keyboards and liking his style, True Soul was born . They played their first gig at Laketown Wharf on July 5, 2011.

Josh Singleton was born in Tampa where his father was stationed with the Air Force. He moved to Panama City at the age of eight. He is a 2011 graduate of Bay High School and sang with the Jazz Choir the last half of his senior year. Josh took piano lessons for five years, beginning at the age of 11. With a preference for R&B music, becoming the first member of True Soul was a good fit. He has a beautiful bass voice and a good range that allows him to harmonize well. Since joining True Soul, Josh, now 21, has experienced tremendous growth as a performer and gained a great deal of knowledge about stage presence and running sound. Josh has a passion for music and enjoys composing. In his words “Do what makes you happy with music … always stick with it”.

Street was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and credits his style of playing to being raised there. Growing up he played gospel music in church and states “Gospel music is intricate, almost like jazz”. He has played drums from the age of five and began piano lessons at the age of thirteen. His biggest influences include Phil Collins, Tony Royster, Jr . and Dave Weckl. Street majored in music at Chicago State University on a scholarship. On New Year’s Day, 2008, Street made a decision to move to Panama City. It is a decision he has not regretted. His initial goal was to produce rap music. He had no intentions of being in a band and had never even seen live music except for large festivals. But as fate would
have it, Street was working as a bouncer at a local beach night club when a member of 345 Express invited him to jam after hours. Liking his style, Street was invited to join the band. Glenn heard Street on the drums during one of the final performances of 345 Express and asked him to join True Soul. When asked what advice he would give, Street answered “Practice. Remember why you are doing what you are doing. Be persistent, be humble and stay humble.”

With three diverse backgrounds, these three musicians create a sound that brings fans back time after time. They are always incorporating new songs into the mix to stay current, while learning old classics that are sure to please. With more surprises in store for the future, including some new original music written by Glenn and Josh, True Soul is sure to be the “go to” band for any party or event. True Soul’s approach at every show is to leave the audience in awe. Glenn puts his heart into every performance and says he wants the audience to feel it.

Some good advice has been passed down to Glenn “My grandfather told me ‘Leave footprints everywhere you go.’ If you could touch somebody with your talent or whatever you are doing if you could touch somebody’s life or change somebody’s life or make somebody want to pick up a drumstick or play a keyboard or sing a note, then you’ve affected somebody’s life. So, leave footprints wherever you go.” True Soul is definitely leaving footprints in Panama City. Check out True Soul’s Facebook page to find out where they are playing!