CHAVONNE

CHAVONNE

At an early age, Chavonne began to realize the power of music. Hailing from a long line of gospel singers that include her mother, her grandparents and uncle, Chavonne would become the first in her family to break away from their deep-seated gospel roots. “My mom always wanted to be a jazz singer. Although she had that chance, my grandma wanted her to only sing in church, so she did just that,” she recalls.

Although her mother was never able to realize her dreams, Chavonne was lucky enough to receive her grandmother’s blessing to explore the world of music outside of the gospel realm. She enrolled in the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, where she dedicated herself to honing her craft.

During her sophomore year in high school, while singing with her uncle’s gospel group, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra discovered the budding artist.

Learning about her extraordinary talent from a teacher, the Orchestra took Chavonne under its wing, and gave her the opportunity to perform alongside the legendary Mel Torme, in addition to featuring her as a solo vocalist.

Soon thereafter, Chavonne moved to New York City, gracing the stage alongside other powerhouses such as opera singer Jessye Norman and Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige. Chavonne’s vocal prowess helped her nab the lead role of Nala in Disney's "The Lion King", in the West End, the cover role of Elphaba in the multi-Tony Award winning production of “Wicked,” at the Gershwin Theater; Dionne in Encores! Production of “Hair” and as the Radio in the critically acclaimed Broadway production of “Caroline, or Change.”

Having conquered the world of big musicals hits, Chavonne is now ready to expand her talents to the world of popular music.

Starring as the lead in a major hit musical is a great foundation for any musical career. Now a known force to be reckoned with on Broadway, and at the urging of powers that be in the music world, the time is right for Chavonne to pursue her recording career with the same passion.

Teaming with upcoming producers, Chavonne is a breath of fresh air into today’s latent music scene. “People aren’t really singing anymore,” she says. “Everyone is doing this breathy thing. I’m about singing. I'm about using my voice to reach into people's emotions and writing lyrics so my audience understands me. I am a storyteller writer not a fantasy writer. My lyrics are real.”

Chavonne’s desire for success stems from more than just personal goals. Fate would claim the lives of her two older brothers, Darren and Eric. The fact that they both were aspiring rappers propels Chavonne to strive for the top not just for herself, but for her brothers’ dreams as well. “They are my inspiration. Both wanted to be recognized for their music. When I'm standing on the mountain top, they will be right there with me. This is for all three of us!

Her brothers aren’t the only source from which the budding superstar draws inspiration. She also cites musical influences such as Deniece Williams, Teena Marie and Mary J. Blige. However, there’s one artist in particular that she’d love her musical career to emulate…. Tina Turner.

“I want to be able to crossover to every genre. I’m not just an R&B/hip-hop singer; I can sing anything in any style and I have a huge range. I can do ballads but I can also riff with the best of them.
After all... I’m Chavonne.”

The lyrics in the song, "New York New York" say, “If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.” If that is true, then hold on world. Your new international superstar, Chavonne is well on her way.