Beth Inabinett

October 2024 Issue
Lowcountry Originals

Photography (top) by
Cassidy Dunn Photography

Beth Inabinett
Art: Music—singer, songwriter, performing artist, bandleader of “Beth Inabinett & For The FunK Of It”
Current Residence & Hometown:
Saint Helena Island, SC
Career: 30 years in Counseling, Human Services & Education;
Certified K-12 School Guidance Counselor and Global Career Development Facilitator
Family: Daughter of Shirley Brown Inabinett & the late Heyward Inabinett; 2 older sisters: Sharon & Gail; 1 younger brother:
Heyward, II “Reggie”; 2 sons: Zuhri (21) & Solomon (17); bonus daughter: Tiana Parker; bonus grandchildren: Keion & Kyana.

When and how did you discover your artistic talent? How and/or why did you choose this medium? What do you love about it?
I love how music allows me to be and feel free; it connects me with other beautiful souls; it spreads peace, love, light, and laughter. I get to relive my childhood and honor my favorite artists. Music inspires me to dance, move, and raise my vibration. Music is spiritual; it heals me and many others. It’s a gift my mom unselfishly passed on to me, and I am forever grateful. Singing is my tribute to her.

I’ve been influenced by music my entire life. I remember singing along with my family as far back as age 3. It was my happy place, and apparently everyone else’s. I learned how to harmonize and sing background while listening to and singing along with Mom, my grandfather, aunts and uncles, and my sisters, so I guess it’s fair to say that home was my official “School of Music.” It was always filled with music—record albums, 45s, 8-tracks. We listened to everything and everybody ranging from Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Sammy Davis, Jr., John Denver, Earth, Wind & Fire, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, and Motown soundtracks…just to name a few. My father’s taste in music was very eclectic, and it rubbed off on all of us and our children. Daddy taught me how to whistle, and to this day, I infuse it into my performances—a subtle tribute to him. My mother has the most beautiful voice in the universe, and she would often sing to us and with us while cooking, cleaning— just existing. You can say she was my first music teacher, and I learned from the best! She’s 83, and it is a blessing and a joy to still be able to hear that melodious voice of hers.

As a “creative” you are unique. What makes you the most YOU!
There is no me without my deep heritage steeped in the Gullah culture. There is no me without music, family and vibrant color. There is no me without my spiritual connection to God. This divine compilation makes me uniquely me. You will not find another!

Which artist inspires or influences you the most?
It has to be the musical genius Stevie Wonder. He’s one of my favorites. He’s a multi talented singer, songwriter, producer, composer, arranger, and multi instrumentalist. He’s influenced and inspired the entire planet, and generations of artists throughout his entire career. He’s one of the greatest messengers of our time, much like the late Bob Marley.

When someone finds out what you do, or where you’re from, what do you always get asked?
Usually when people find out I’m from Saint Helena Island, which is located within the Gullah/Geechie corridor, they want to know if I speak the language.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t done yet?
I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, especially the bass guitar. I took piano lessons, played alto and tenor sax when I was much younger, but I didn’t stick with it long enough to master any of them.

What’s the color palette of your life?
Are you bold, soft, neutral, primary, all pink, black, black and more black?
I’m a child of the ‘60s and ‘70s, so I was heavily influenced by both eras. My color palette mirrors my outlook on life—bright and bold; all of the colors of the rainbow and the chakras.

What encouragement do you have for those who are
just beginning to pursue their artistic selves?
Embrace the journey and the learning process. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Every artist starts somewhere, and the key is to stay committed to your craft, even when it feels daunting. Art is about authenticity, and your unique voice is what the world needs to hear. Surround yourself with a supportive community, and keep showing up, even on days when inspiration is low. Remember, it's not about perfection but about progress and expression. I started out collaborating with incredible musicians and artists, and each step taught me something new. I was only 50 years young when I started doing it on a semi-regular basis, (I’m now 58) so do not allow age to defy you or stop you from pursuing your purpose and using your gifts.

What do you want to scream from the mountain tops
about art, creativity, or life in general?
Know yourself and your creative boundaries so that as you begin to work with others, you know your limits and what you’re comfortable with. Art and media influence the world we live in. Make sure you are on the positive side of that influence.