TEDxPasadena - Christy Paige - Change

857 views · Published 25 November 2011 · 5:38 · Indexed 23 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2011 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Christy Paige 
Born to share music, Christy Paige came from a family of musicians that helped shape her prodigious ability in both true expression and genuine performance throughout her youth. Growing up wasn't always easy for Christy, yet she picked up the guitar at 12 years old and never put it down. Like most great artist, her early life was full of strife and heartbreaking situations. Where most would falter, she gained strength and resolve, much of which you can hear in her song writing and overwhelming performances. Un-relenting and always honest, Christy reminds you why music is so important and defines the difference between a true artist and the manufactured banality that populates the airwaves.
At the tender age of 18, realizing the only way to grow and share her ability, Christy packed her few belongings and just under $50 in cash along with her determination into a beat up car (which she also called home for a little while) and headed to Los Angeles. Knowing not one soul in the toughest town for musicians, she wowed any audience that would listen with her voice, a beat up guitar, and the passion that continues to grow. She quickly gained attention from anyone who heard even a few seconds of these performances, and the offers started flying. Christy refused to "sell out" and did what any young acoustic female singer/songwriter would do: She organized a hard rock band comprised of talented and well connected people.

Few recordings and a handful of performances ensued, one of which, a "battle of the bands" grabbed the attention of the Grammy winning Producer/artist Linda Perry. Still under 20, she found herself at a crossroads. Do I do what the biggest people in this industry tell me to do? Or do I stay the course and be true to myself? There was nothing reticent in Christy's decision, she went to New York and was one of a handful of people to play (in her unique style) at CBGB'S just before the city shut it down.

With more life experience and confidence in her choices as an artist, Christy made her way back to LA and got back on stage in every major venue on the Sunset strip. As a result, Christy collaborated with producers like Michael Blue, CJ Vanston (Dolly Pardon, Joe Cocker, Ringo Star), Danny Lohner (Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails), amongst others.

These days, you can catch Christy playing open mics, opening up for Marianne Williamson, or sharing a stage with Earth Wind and Fire at Agape International Spiritual Center. The thing to remember is this: With all of the talent, creativity and focus Christy Paige has been blessed with, her sincere motivation is to share it with you. Seeing Christy play live is an experience you'll never forget.

About TEDx: In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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