Soul Queen, Despite Katrina, Says 'Life's Simply Grand'
New Orleans soul diva Irma Thomas gives music to "GMA's" "Your Three Words."
Sept. 6, 2008— -- When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans three years ago, thousands of people lost everything -- jobs, homes and, for some, loved ones.
But one thing the storm could never take away was the spirit of the storied city. And if there is one person who is the embodiment of that spirit, it would be the Soul Queen of New Orleans, 67-year-old Irma Thomas.
Irma lost both her home and her club in the hurricane but, just like the rest of the city, she is far from losing that defining soul and determination.
On Aug. 23, Irma's band, Irma Thomas and the Professionals, proved that the music lives on when they came together with other acts at Lincoln Center in New York City to stage the 25th Annual Roots of American Music: Salute to the Heart and Soul of New Orleans.
Today, with New Orleans never far from her mind, the Grammy-winning singer graced "Good Morning America's" "Your Three Words" series' soundtrack with her own special rendition of "River is Waiting."
Despite the hefty blow Katrina dealt to Irma's world, her own three words are just as inspiring as her music: "Life's simply grand."
She has even named her newest CD "Simply Grand" out of that irrepressible sentiment.
Click here to learn more about "Your Three Words" and to send in your own videos.
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