‘Starting later in life, I don’t feel I missed out. I’m a firm believer that everything happens in its time.’

Selden

“I was told I was singing in the stroller, so music has always been part of my life. My dad was a FDNY lieutenant, but also sang professionally, so there was always music in our house. I performed as a teen, but there was resistance against singing as a career. My family said, ‘you need to have something solid, you need to take civil service exams,’ and that having a pension and benefits was important. I did go to college but took the exams too, and the Nassau County Police Department was the job I chose, and I loved it. I started in the Fourth Precinct, then worked at District Court and retired as a Detective-Sergeant.

“While in law enforcement, I did manage artists and worked as a concert promoter. So, while I stayed in music, at that point I wasn’t center stage. I fell back on that dream for a while, but I was the Department Vocalist. I’d come out with the Color Guard, and I sang the National Anthem at Nassau Coliseum! It provided opportunities to do what I love, while doing what I loved.

In 2014, I recorded my first single. I thought ‘You only live once, let me give it a try,’ and it turned out to be a great first try, because the song ended up on the radio.

“In 2014, I recorded my first single. I thought ‘You only live once, let me give it a try,’ and it turned out to be a great first try, because the song ended up on the radio. I took it from there, while still working in law enforcement, doing both careers simultaneously. My supervisors were supportive, because I always did what I was supposed to be doing, so it was never an issue.

“Starting later in life, I don’t feel I missed out. I’m a firm believer that everything happens in its time. If I didn’t listen to my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am. When I was younger, sometimes I would wonder what if, but today I don’t. My evolution in life has made me better artistically. I haven’t performed live since before the pandemic, but I’m getting ready to do some shows.

“I only retired in April, so I was still an officer then. My former coworkers still check in, and let me know that I’m missed, which makes me feel good, that I did my job. It was time for me though, I’m big on not staying past your expiration date with anything in life. I’m grateful for having worked with the NCPD. I have no complaints. I loved it while I did it, and I love where I am. What can I complain about? Nothing.”

Interviewed by Ian J. Stark