Crystal Chavis sings the national anthem at the Lakers v Jazz game on January 25.

What is the sound of inspiration drawn from inspiration? One Inglewood native with a remarkable talent might have an answer. Crystal Chavis, a 17-year-old junior student of Inglewood City Honors High School, found her passion in music four years ago. Her roots in the entertainment industry, however, date back much further.

At only three weeks of age Crystal received her first glimpse to the industry when she was in a film for a commercial for Fidelity Financial. She continued getting acting gigs in commercials for State Farm and Jeep as well as many other well-known companies. Throughout elementary and middle school, she participated in many performances and activities in and out of school. Her mother, Allison Queen, is a publicist who specializes in local and national media placements. From a young age decided she wanted Crystal to develop into a well-rounded individual. She enrolled her daughter in ice skating and dance classes and even had her try horseback riding.

“I tried to support Crystal in every endeavor she pursued and I knew it was important for her to be well-rounded. I wanted her to know she could do anything she put her mind to, which is why I wanted her to be active,” said Mrs. Queen.

Crystal spent a lot of time acting as well as participating in various activities—but it was not until one of her performances at Laguna Beach Middle School when she decided to focus on music. The crowd was ecstatic, which inspired her to pursue a career specifically in music. She started to take classes at and was soon spotted by musical songwriter and produce Kashif for her unique talents. He could relate; his musical career took off at the age of 15 and can now be heard on releases by stars such as Kenny G and Whitney Houston. He guides her through her career and has helped her work with a vocal coach and attend the Hollywood Academy of Music.

The inspiration within Crystal is not only the musical talents she possesses, but her persistence in reaching her goals. She recently sang the American National Anthem at The Staples Center for a Los Angeles Lakers game (against the Utah Jazz) on Friday, January 25. How she landed the gig is indicative of her persistence.

Last summer, her mentor Kashif suggested she submit an application to sing the national anthem for the Lakers. She took it upon herself to look up the Lakers’ entertainment publicist and request an audition; she was rejected. The publicist responded that she would keep Crystal’s tape on file but that the team had booked all national anthem singers for the season.

Prior to the Laker vs. Jazz game there was a cancellation, and the publicist contacted Crystal. She agreed but then her nerves went haywire. “This was the first time she was going to sing in
front of 20,000 people,” said her mother. “She’s used to crowds of about 200 or so but this was the first time she sang for such a big crowd.” The performance went off without a hitch.

“What makes this so rewarding was that I did this all on my own and that is what gave me my confidence when I sang, that was also the best part, my confidence,” Chavis said after the performance.

Despite her swell of success, Crystal still understands the importance of education. She maintains a 3.6 GPA and retains an interest in sports such as volleyball. She strengthens her talents at the piano, guitar and keyboard, and has designed her own website. She hopes to pursue a major in music at Loyola Marymount University. She loves her hometown— Inglewood!—and the greater Los Angeles area in general. The message she would like to leave to the youth is to remember to pursue your dreams and to never let anything stand in your way.

Crystal aims at inspiring young girls through her music, because the youth is what inspires her to pursue her musical career and dreams. To find out more about this up-and-coming talent from Inglewood, please visit the website at www.crystalchavismusic.com.