Renée Elise Goldsberry draws significant inspiration from artists who courageously embrace daring career shifts even without the certainty of success. As her impressive career has evolved, Goldsberry has been consistently surrounded by such fearless innovators. Best known for her remarkable portrayal of Angelica Schuyler in the acclaimed Broadway musical “Hamilton,” which earned her a Tony Award for best featured actress in 2016, and a Grammy for best musical theater album, she is now ready to embark on her own bold endeavor by launching her career as a solo music artist.
This Friday marked the release of her debut album, “Who I Really Am,” a milestone that sees Goldsberry stepping out into the world of music on her own terms. The album features a rich tapestry of soul, funk, blues, and gospel elements and showcases a fresh rendition of her iconic “Hamilton” number, “Satisfied,” originally created by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Goldsberry’s repertoire extends beyond “Hamilton,” with memorable roles in Broadway productions like “Rent” and “The Color Purple.” Her talent has also shone through in television series such as “Girls5Eva,” “The Good Wife,” and the daytime soap opera “One Life to Live.” Now, with the debut of her solo album, Goldsberry aims to carve out a distinct musical identity.
In an interview, Goldsberry shares insights into this new chapter, reveals what she uncovered about herself through the album’s creation, and discusses the possibility of a return to “Hamilton.” Additionally, she reflects on her aspirations for an EGOT, a prestigious achievement for artists who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award in their careers.
Creating her 13-track album was an exploration of artistic freedom, encouraging her to step beyond the conventional confines of a recording artist’s identity. “I need to give myself license to be more than one thing,” Goldsberry reflects. This personal evolution has always informed her music, as she’s been a writer since childhood. “I had to give myself permission to not try to fit into a box that exists,” she admits.
The journey began in 2020, and reimagining “Satisfied” was never on her agenda. An earlier suggestion to use the song as a gateway to a record deal was adamantly rejected by Goldsberry, citing its perfection in its original form. However, an unplanned opportunity in a Nashville studio led her to explore a new rendition. “We started playing… and our minds exploded. It was so good.” she recalls, which sparked the inclusion of the song on her debut album.
Goldsberry also reunited with Sara Bareilles from the “Girls5Eva” cast for the track “Smiling,” penned by Bareilles herself. Describing Bareilles as an unparalleled singer-songwriter, Goldsberry relishes her time opening for her at the Hollywood Bowl. Excitedly recounting, “I witnessed her courageously embracing something new — orchestrating her music with a symphony — and it was breathtaking.”
As for a possible return to “Hamilton,” Goldsberry remains open, drawing inspiration from those around her who take bold steps, such as Leslie Odom Jr., who made the unexpected choice to return to the production. “Leslie taught us: Never say never,” she shares.
In the pursuit of an EGOT, she admits to contemplating various avenues to achieve the rare accolade but notes that her priority lies in embracing the journey rather than focusing on accolades. With projects like her documentary “Satisfied,” Goldsberry remains hopeful yet embraces the artistic journey over the awards.