Conversations with Becky Moon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Moon.

Hi Becky, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Becky Moon (aka Rebecca Diaz). My successful music career today is threefold: 1) I serve as a Success Artist-Based Music Therapist for locked-down institutions, using my varied talents for singing, DJ’ing and MC’ing as well as the transformative power of music to reach those society often overlooks. 2) I’m also an entertainment consultant—booking diverse talent, producing and directing immersive shows, and managing logistics as a booking agent. And lastly, I’m the band manager and lead singer of *Rick and Teena’s Funk Phenomenon*—my most cherished creation, where every performance is a celebration of connection, chemistry, and pure funk energy.

Let me tell you how it all began. My father was from a small island called Takaroa, Tahiti who moved to Chicago. Thus, I grew up in a Polynesian revue—dancing professionally by the age of 3, touring the country and holding residencies at amusement parks. Music and movement weren’t just part of my upbringing—they were part of my Tahitian DNA.

I was also raised in Chicago, the home of Chicago style blues, Muddy Waters and a major hub for Motown legends. It’s where I developed my musical roots in funk, soul, and R&B, layered with the storytelling of Polynesian music—where we speak through our hands, our hips, and the grace of hula.

I found My Singing Voice late in life
I was a dancer first, as a small child, moved by music. And I was always surrounded by singers, but terrified of the microphone. Polynesian dancers all sing chorally as part of the show yes—but solo singing? That was too scary to do even though the show directors tried to get me to sing in the band and recognized I had a voice, I would always refuse to take the spotlight. I didn’t overcome the fear of singing publicly until I was 28, when karaoke was just starting to ripple across the U.S. Even then, I’d freeze if someone handed me a mic. It took a lot to get me to sing publicly.

The Teena Marie Awakening
Everything changed when I was a young teen, sitting on the brick porch of a friend’s house. A wild, funky track came on the radio—and my jaw dropped. Her voice was soulful, powerful… and wait—was she rapping? I was stunned. It was “Square Biz” by Teena Marie, and it hit me like lightning. Then, “Portugese Love” came on the radio and my heart stopped.

Back then, we didn’t have Shazam or Spotify. I had to sit by the radio for hours, hoping they’d play it again and announce the artist. When I finally heard her name, it was etched into me. Teena Marie. From that day on, I was obsessed. I hunted down every album, every live clip, every interview. She wasn’t just a voice—she was a powerful, soulful force. And she cracked something open in me I didn’t know was there.

I spent years developing my own voice, performing with dozens of bands and recording artists—but Teena Marie was always the blueprint. Her vocal range was insane: she could belt with raw power, glide through jazz phrasing, and hit whistle tones with ease. She was a white woman with a Black woman’s soul, and her voice had no boundaries and I sought that range as I developed my voice.

People constantly requested I sing her songs when I performed—in fact, she was the number one artist audiences asked “me” to sing. I never thought anything of it at first. But when she passed away in 2010, the requests became relentless. Everyone wanted to hear the music of Lady T.

I started studying her more seriously—not just her recordings, but her phrasing, her breath control, her emotional delivery. I’ve spent years training my voice to emulate her range and the passion with which she sang. Never to impersonate, but to honor and try to have the same elite level of abilities she had. She cracked something open in me I didn’t know was there, and I’ve been chasing that fire ever since.

Meeting Joel Simpson aka my Rick James performer
One night, I was working with a local cover band called LA Blue. They had a number of pro singers fronting the band, and this beautiful male singer showed up to do a show with me. The nice thing about most pros is we adapt quickly—no rehearsal needed. But when singers perform together for the first time, we tend to hold back a little.

Well, that singer was Joel Simpson.

I opened the night with four or five leads. Then Joel launched into “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan—and I watched him explode into high performance. Fast, sophisticated dance moves, vocals on point, and energy enough to light the city of LA. I’m not exaggerating. He was an explosion of dance, enthusiasm, and pure joy. He performed 110% every song, every note.

My mind was blown.

And I instantly crushed on him as a performer. I had never come across a singer who could also dance the way I like to dance and sing. And in that moment, my head said, “I want to work with Joel. And if I ever have a tribute to Rick and Teena—I’m calling Joel.”

The Fire Ignites
A few years passed. I launched TMT – Teena Marie Tribute the same year the pandemic hit, but like so many creative projects, it had to be tabled. I continued working for cover bands in LA, keeping the dream alive in the background.

Then in January 2024, I was on a gig with John Burrola, saxophonist extraordinaire for Tierra, Malo, and countless LA-based artists. He asked me about TMT and said he would love to help get it launched. I finally had someone who loved the music as much as I did. I reached out to the most qualified musicians; the most important quality was a team player and someone who uses music to elevate the world, not just to make a living, someone who is an expert as his/her instrument, and someone who loves the funk as much as I did.

I also realized Fire and Desire was a very special ballad. In fact, BET named it the most iconic R&B ballad of all time. After Rick James passed away, Teena removed it from her shows—it was too difficult to sing without him. It’s a highly emotional moment—not having your partner there to recreate such an intimate, iconic love song.

I was so moved by this, I knew I had to perform “Fire and Desire” in my show and that I’m going to need a Rick James singer that can deliver with the same intensity that Rick James performed live.

I already knew Joel was the guy.

When I asked him, he was familiar with a song or two of Rick James, but he’s younger and didn’t grow up in the era of ’80s funk. So we started studying, researching, and immersing ourselves in the music. And as we dug deeper, their story came alive. I realized their love story was so powerful, so layered, that we couldn’t just tell Teena’s story—we had to tell both. Rick and Teena weren’t just collaborators. They were twin flames in music. And that’s the story we wanted to bring to life.

Joel said yes.

And just like that… the Fire and Desire was ON, and I rebranded TMT (Teena Marie Tribute) to Rick and Teena’s Funk Phenomenon.

The Tribute Today
Today, Rick and Teena’s Funk Phenomenon is a flagship production of my booking agency, BNF Entertainment—designed for casinos, festivals, theme parks and luxury venues that want more than a show. They want a moment. And every time I step on stage, I carry the fire that Teena lit in me, the passion Rick poured into every note, and the joy of sharing a love story that still moves people decades later.

This tribute isn’t just music—it’s memory, magic, and legacy.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Obstacles Along My Career Path

One of the most enduring challenges has been **fully embracing myself as an artist**. Like many creatives, I’ve always felt a deep internal pull—to sing, to build shows, to *live inside music and the arts*. But I became a mother at 18, and that meant navigating a world that didn’t always make space for artistic dreams. The demands of employment, income, and motherhood often clashed with the creative life I was trying to build. Still, I refused to let go of that spark. I was the mother who saved—or even went into debt—to make sure my three daughters experienced the magic of Broadway musicals and Cirque du Soleil. We sang constantly in the car, harmonizing like a family band on wheels. At home, we transformed our living room into a stage, with bed sheet curtains and thrift store costumes. Art wasn’t just something I did—it was how we lived.

Another major obstacle was **bridging the gap between creativity and business acumen**. The artistic community is full of visionaries—musicians, dancers, actors—who can move hearts and shift culture. But many of us, myself included, weren’t taught how to earn sustainably, save wisely, or build long-term financial security. I had the talent and the drive, but I lacked the discipline and tools to turn that into consistent income. That disconnect created years of financial stress and uncertainty.

For decades, I worked in athletics, health, and fitness—channeling my creativity into movement, coaching, and wellness. I brought soul to that field, but something was missing: the music. The singing. The emotional storytelling. It wasn’t until I reached age 50 that I finally surrendered to the voice that had been whispering to me all along. I stepped fully into music—not just as a passion, but as my purpose. I began doing what I believe I was always designed to do: use music and performance to bring community, alignment, and love to everyone in my world.

And yet, the biggest challenge remains: **making a living as an artist**. Like so many performers, I’ve faced the reality that full-time creative work rarely comes with benefits, retirement plans, or financial stability. It’s gig to gig, show to show. I’ve had to cultivate real determination, tenacity, humility—and the courage to ask for help, again and again. You have to believe in your vision even when the world doesn’t. Then you tell everyone about it until someone—either willing or just crazy enough—takes a chance on it. But it always starts with believing in yourself.

**Financial literacy has been one of the hardest lessons**. In hindsight, though, I wouldn’t trade what I do for money. Financial success comes and goes, but music and the arts are eternal gifts. They allow us to connect with our fellow human beings on a spiritual level that money can’t buy. Every time I sing, every time I build a show that moves people, I know I’m living in alignment with who I truly am. And I try to pass that love of artistry on—to other singers, musicians, artists, and especially to my daughters.

The greatest obstacle has been *identifying and accepting my own superpowers* and recognizing that creativity isn’t for sale. It’s not a commodity. It’s a way of life. And when I’m in alignment with who I really am, no matter my circumstances, I’m ok and at peace.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Performer, Producer, Legacy Keeper – not just a Musicians/Vocalist

I’ve spent my life inside music and the arts—not just as a performer, but as someone who’s deeply grateful to have made a living doing what I love. With over 30,000 hours of live performance logged across five decades, I’ve had the honor of singing for more than 1,000 weddings, memorials, and celebrations of life. I’ve MC’d, coordinated, and performed for thousands of events—from casinos and corporate galas to city concerts, backyard parties, and festivals. These aren’t just gigs to me—they’re moments that matter in people’s lives, and I never take that lightly.

My background in theatrical Polynesian shows, shaped by world-class venues like Disney and SeaWorld, taught me how to bring bold storytelling and visual impact to any stage. When I join a band, record for an artist, or build a show from scratch, I don’t just show up—I elevate. I’ve helped increase visibility, bookings, and income for every group I’ve worked with, not because I’m trying to stand out, but because I believe in helping the whole team shine.

Vocally, I’m known for my four-octave range, elite pitch control, and rare vocals endurance. I’ve sung 30–35 hours a week in smoky casino environments and recording sessions without losing my voice. That kind of stamina isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. It comes from years of conditioning, care, and a deep respect for the craft.

As an MC, I’m most often hired for my ability to read the room, adapt in real time, and connect with audiences in a way that feels personal, authentic and alive. I don’t rely on scripts—I rely on instinct, empathy, and experience.

I think what most sets me apart is I’m truly team player. For twenty years I owned and operated an athletic organization, training not only elite athletes, but training a coaching staff of 10 employees on how to coach athletes. This gave me access to world class Olympic coaches as part of my training. All which translates to the music world. My performance mentors taught me to be the “greatest sideman of all time,” the “strongest team player” and to ditch the ego, lift others up, and understand that when my peers shine, I shine. That’s the energy I bring to every collaboration and the thing I am most proud of.

I’m proud of what I’ve built, and I’m even more grateful for the people who’ve trusted me with their stages, their stories, and their most meaningful moments.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see live music and entertainment shifting toward deeper connection, curated intimacy, and storytelling that resonates. Audiences aren’t chasing spectacle anymore—they’re craving experiences that move them, that feel personal, that stay with them long after the lights go down.

That’s exactly what I’ve built with *Rick and Teena’s Funk Phenomenon*: a tribute that doesn’t just honor two legends, but invites people into their emotional journey. It’s immersive, it’s raw, and it’s rooted in legacy. Every moment is designed to connect—not just entertain.

I’ve seen this hunger for intimacy firsthand on every stage I am on. Even in my most recent production, a 60s vintage masquerade dinner show that I’m producing and directing for Casino VIP’s. It’s customized for maximum audience engagement—from curated glam fashion to interactive moments that break the fourth wall and pull people into the story. These aren’t cookie-cutter productions. They’re living, breathing experiences that adapt to the space, the energy, and the people in the room.

And the industry is catching up. We’re seeing a rise in boutique and hybrid venues—rooftops, lounges, art galleries, and pop-up stages that favor intimacy over scale. There’s a growing appreciation for local acts and niche genres, and a shift towards experiential entertainment that prioritizes authenticity over flash. These trends don’t intimidate me—they affirm the kind of work I’ve always done.

Also technology is really helping artists like me. It’s important that I mention that I believe AI and technology are game changers for the neuro-diverse, artistic population, many of which have to deal with bipolar disorders or have ADHD, Obsessive compulsive disorders or other mental conditions that have often stifle our abilities to complete projects. From my experience, mental diversity brings a unique richness to creative work—it can fuel brilliance and depth. However, it can also demand extra care and require rigorous resilience from those who live it.

I’m so grateful for every stage I’ve stood on, and I don’t take any of it for granted. But I also know what I bring: decades of lived experience, executive-level production, and the ability to build chemistry-driven teams that deliver. I’m not chasing trends—I’m shaping moments. And if you’re looking for someone who can turn a show into a soul-stirring experience, you might consider me.

Pricing:

• 5500 – 15,000 – Rick and Teena Show
• 1000 – 3500 Solo Performance / MC / DJ
• 300/hour – Artist based/Music Group Therapy
• Performance coaching packages available
• 2500 – Motivational Speaking

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rickandteena.com
• Instagram: @rickandteena
• Facebook: @rickandteena
• Youtube: @rickandteena
• Other: https://www.bnfentertainment.com

Image Credits
Photography by
Darcelle Jones-Wesley