Rachel Hylton, 27
Rachel is the oldest of three children and since the age of 5 yrs old has always had the dream to be a singer. Her parents split up when she was 9 yrs old and after that she lost control and direction. At the age of 13 yrs old she had the first of 5 children and life spiralled out of control, problems with drugs led to a spell in prison and eventually 3 of her children were taken into care. After the birth of her 4th child she was determined to change her life for the better and now looks after her youngest two children.
Music has always been important to Rachel and from an early age she sang in her school choir or at Sunday school. At the age of 13 yrs old she won a ghetto blaster for coming first in a signing competition performing Whitney Houston’s ‘Greatest Love Of All’.
She grew up listening to Reggae music (inspired by her Jamaican parents) and tries hard to sing every day. She’s only ever had one music lesson in her life and everything else is self taught.
Rachel currently lives in London with her two youngest children and rates music as the saving grace during the hard times in her life.
Rachel’s family have been so supportive of her, people she hasn’t seen in ages are getting back in touch and she’s recognised in the street. Her kids are really excited and proud of her too which means the absolute world to Rachel.