Althea René. This unparalleled artist, born December 25th in Detroit, Michigan, began her musical career at age four as a classical flautist. She studied classical music while attending Howard University in Washington D.C. and later she gained further musical inspiration from the accomplishments of Yusef Lateef, Ian Anderson, and Dave Valentine. She has since developed her own creative style. Althea René has worked more than 10 years as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff (Detroit, Michigan).