Voice of the KMC

Former Army specialist Isaac Roosevelt, known on local television as “Mr. Funky,” works as an
accounting technician for the 86th Force Support Squadron on Ramstein.

Roosevelt came to Europe in 1989 with the Army. After returning from Operation Desert Storm, he separated and pursued a musical career. Roosevelt is one of the lucky few who will compete on the television show “The Voice of Germany” and hopes to “get lucky” for a chance to win cash prizes and the hearts of fans and the people of the KMC.

Q: How long have you been singing?

A: I have been singing all of my life. As a child, my mom was the director for our church choir, and she inspired me. I went on to be a singer for the 76th Army Band.

Q: What influenced you to be a participant on “The Voice?”

A: Originally, I was contacted by one of the producers of the show and I performed with members of the past seasons like Rino Galiano, Laura Martin, Butch Williams, and Charles Simmons to name a few. For me, it does not even matter if I win. I know it’s a funny little soap opera, but I can appreciate the soap-opera aspect if I get to make music influencing millions of people.

Q:  What was your reaction when you realized you were selected to be on the show?

A: I was super proud and modest at the same time, to know I was selected to try out for the blind auditions. The Pro Sieben Television Station released information that only 150 people were invited and 64 percent were women. I was very lucky.

Q: With all the great talent on the show, what do you think your chances are for coming out on top in the competition?  

A: My chances for coming out on top in the competition are just as much as everyone else’s. I think my experience will give me a big advantage. I was assigned to the 76th Army Band as a singer, so I have a lot of stage experience and working with bands. However, in the end, you only have a few seconds to “win” the coaches over because the audience is not involved in the blind auditions. It is just you and the backs of 4 chairs. The judges are trying to win also and like poker try to pick the best hand to win with. You hope to give them something they can feel in 90 seconds.

Q: What is your favorite part about being in the competition?

A: My favorite part about the show is meeting the main players of the music business and witnessing all the great musicians and talents. Just being able to give them all I have to give and seeing the best compete is something that is intriguing about the competition because you’re having fun and enjoying every second of the 15 minutes of fame.

Q: What’s been the most challenging thing about the competition so far?

A: The most challenging part for me is juggling my job here and leaving my family in Mannheim. Although my commander and fellow colleagues are very supportive, this is somewhat of a strain on the entire operation. Recording the blind auditions took a week and I could not go home to my family.

Q: How does being a former military member play in to the challenges you face in the competition?

A: Being a former military member plays a very important role in the show. In the end, they want an interesting story to tell and although “The Voice” is center stage, who you are as an individual supports your level of interest for the viewers.

Although this is only its third season, “The Voice of Germany” is one of the most successful shows for the Pro Sieben television station so it has to be entertaining and hold the audience’s attention and make them keep coming back for more. The German people and U.S. military have a very long history and solidarity and I represent the American military, proudly.

Q: If you win, what’s your next move?

My first goal if I win is to take a very long vacation. Possibly to Arcadia, Fla., and then come back and get to work on writing hits. Winning the show puts a lot of pressure on the talent. My philosophy is the music business is 50 percent hard work and 50 percent luck. I have been doing the hard work for more than 20 years and it is time for me to get lucky. Keep your fingers crossed.

Q: How has being on the show affected your personal life?

A: So far, I have been able to balance everything, but I am starting to feel the pressure. People coming up to me on the street and even doing this interview, it’s a lot to take in. I think the biggest reality check though is having a regular job every day.

Q: If you don’t come out the victor by the end will you continue to pursue a career in music?

A: Music is my life and my passion, to give it up is like asking me to stop breathing. The show must go on.