Pidgie is the professional name of singer, songwriter and advocate for the disabled, Patti Panzarino. The former “Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts” recently dropped her debut solo album, Just Breathe. Joined by a parade of Pop, Rock and R&B legends, the singer delivers a 12-song collection of cover and originals designed to both entertain and inspire.
A self proclaimed ‘Renaissance woman on wheels’, Pidgie was born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Pidgie learned to self-advocate from her now-deceased older sister, who had the same disability and mentored her at a very young age. She was a founding member of the Coalition for Disabled Musicians (CDM) and currently serves as its vice-president. She has hosted her own television program and live radio show, she won Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2012 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Ms. Wheelchair America Leadership and Advocacy Competition.
“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” is the current single from Just Breathe, released worldwide to all major streaming services on April 12, 2022. Pidgie’s powerful rendition adds a new perspective to the iconic Nina Simone civil rights lament as she sings, “I wish I could be like a bird in the sky. How sweet it would be if I found I could fly.” The song and the album are inspired by the singer’s new focus on ‘Creative Perseverance’.
Creative Perseverance empowers you to reach beyond what you ever thought possible. It encompasses every facet of your existence: your home, job, education, health, relationships and your passions.
Patti Panzarino (Pidgie)
Check out Just Breathe below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can hear the song “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” on the Deep Indie Songwriters playlist. Follow the links below to connect with Pidgie. Get on her socials and get in the loop on all of the music to come from this inspiring talent.