Ivy Levan: The next big thing and 'The Dame' with Sting

Digital Journal first introduced readers to Ivy Levan in July of 2011. At that time, the entertainment triple-threat — model, singer, actor — was featured in the movie "Drop Dead Gorgeous." In an interview for the article, Levan spoke of wanting to become a model at an early age. "Surely that would be a stepping stone towards becoming an iconic singer/entertainer. Right?" Levan said. Early on, Levan knew that her "true passion in life was music" and, as her mother, Della Levan, told Digital Journal, "She is so multi-talented and determined to make it in Hollywood. It doesn't happen overnight, it takes years." In the years from 2011 to now, Ivy Levan, 26, has pursued her passion in life and her determination is paying off. Levan is a recording artist with CherryTree Records/Interscope and her debut EP Introducing The Dame was released June 4, 2013. Levan and I were raised in the same hometown of Bentonville, Ark., and full disclosure compels me to let readers know that I am a friend of the family and a fan of Ivy's. Thus, I will let others tell you about her and her music. Elevate Lifestyle Magazine had this to say in August of last year, "You may not have heard of Ivy Levan before, but once you've given her debut EP Introducing the Dame a listen I can promise you won't forget her....[A]fter years of waiting and carefully crafting her self-proclaimed 'swamp-hop,' retro-influenced style, she has finally broken out onto the scene and is experiencing exposure on a whole different level." Levan is a "5'9 femme fatale," according to VENTS Magazine. She is "the sultry new figure in music and all that is Old-Hollywood." If you think you recognize Levan, it may be because you are a reader of Glamour or Galore magazines, or perhaps because you watch The Late Show with David Letterman. Earlier this month, Levan was featured in Glamour Magazine. Beauty writer Petra Guglielmetti said, "I will admit I had no idea who singer Ivy Levan was when I saw these photos of her, but I'm convinced she's going to be the next big thing—for her incredible makeup, if nothing else!" The Glamour article was published on Feb. 4 and that evening Ivy Levan took center stage with Sting on Late Show with David Letterman. It was Beatles Tribute Week and Sting and Levan performed "Drive My Car." In an insightful Feb. 13 interview with Galore, one that is filled with glamorous photographs of the model/singer, Levan discusses her Southern roots, how she keeps her amazing pompadour in place, her most coveted beauty secret, and what being "The Dame" means to her. "Being 'The Dame' came from my way of living life: strong, confident, dressed in your best, humorous, and independent," Levan said. "It’s all how you carry yourself. Your head held high and your stiletto on a mother f*#@&$!’s neck…in the most loving way possible of course." Yahoo Music notes that "Ivy Levan is one to watch in 2014" and that "she truly comes across as one of a kind." Levan just released Hang Forever and Perez Hilton exclaimed, "The seXXXy songstress' AH-Mazing song Hang Forever put out an amazeballs video to accompany it!" The music video premiered on RyanSeacrest.com where it was noted that Levan is a "rising star — who has already peaked at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Next Big Sound Chart." And, if you are a fan of the Cinemax original series Banshee and buy the action thriller's recently-released official 17-song soundtrack, Banshee -- Music From the Cinemax Original Series, you will find Ivy Levan's song "Money" featured, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Levan's stiletto-clad feet have certainly stepped on the right stones toward becoming "an iconic singer/entertainer." As her mother said, it takes years to make it in Hollywood. But, given what's happened in the intervening years since Digital Journal first featured Ivy Levan, it looks like The Dame is well on her way. More information about Ivy Levan, The Dame, is available on her Facebook page and CherryTree Records page.