Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Diane McKoy is the real McKoy! She sings from deep within her soul. Once you've heard the magic of her voice, it stays with you as a beautiful memory.
--Joey Welz, former pianist with Bill Haley and the Comets - Joey Welz, CEO of Canadian-American Records
Diane McKoy, "Americana Gospel Queen has a single that's being released in France at a Music Convention. - Writer S. Robson
Founding and fronting a Country Music band as an African American is unusual enough, even more so, a BLUEGRASS Gospel band in New York City! But that is what Diane McKoy is doing... - Christian news wire
"After a concert one night, a woman said to me that we should never call ourselves A Small Few because we're a great three." - Christian News Wire
"McKoy has a full, rich voice that has the ring of authentic country soul."
- Michael Luckman - Associated Press
"I enjoyed your singing very much, and was glad that I did not miss your concert..."
- Richard J. Martino
Director of Music
New Hope Cafe - New Hope Cafe
Discography
Diane is a veteran recording artist who began professionally as a teenager in Gospel Music on a major label called Scepter/Hob, then R&B on Columbia/Epic. More recently, she recorded with the Singing Conquerors (Bluegrass Gospel Band she founded) in a CD called Gloryland Way - still on radio playlists. She can be found on the compilation "The Great Ladies of Gospel" released under Liquid 8 Records in 2004. Diane has an international single released on Canadian American Records; a Ben Freed Production. Talk has it that Diane McKoy's music journey has validated her as the "The Queen of Americana Gospel Music".
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Diane is an artist in music and film. After college, she graduated from the Institute of Broadcast Arts in Chicago. Later, from TV productions school at Center for the Media Arts in NYC and worked internship at Lifetime Television. Diane is an EST graduate. She continues education every two years at the Realty Institute to keep her Real Estate License current. Diane values her Certificate of Recognition as a Missionary Worker & Diploma of Achievement from the University of the Prophets received from Massapequa Full Gospel Tabernacle.
FILM ARTS
Diane, a SAG actress, has worked on the set with directors Spike Lee, Sidney Lumet, Matthew Penn, etc. She has appeared in "Without A Trace", "Law and Order", "Find Me Guilty", and so many films. She has worked on set with actors Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson, Denzel Washington, Adam Sandler, Whoopi, Lucy Arnaz, Alicia Keys (in two of her music videos), Michael Douglas, Regis and Kelly, and others.
MUSIC ARTS
As a teenager, Diane wrote and recorded Traditional Soul Gospel Music on Scepter/Hob Records, becoming a member of BMI. She also recorded R&B on Columbia/Epic Records as part of a duo: Sonny and Diane. Diane spent much of her adult life forming bands and singing around NY and NJ. She had a Country Music band, Top 40 Rock bands, Disco band, and sang in a Caribbean (Raggae) band. She also sang Blues and Jazz remotely. She became friends with Lionel Hampton and visited him sometimes. Diane founded New York City's first and only Bluegrass Gospel band which thrived for 13 years. They played at Dr. Ralph Stanley's Annual Bluegrass Festival several times. Diane, with the Singing Conquerors, is also seen performing in Dr. Ralph Stanley's "Hills of Old Home Film Documentary". Diane has also played at The Whitehouse in Washington, at High Mountain Hayfever Bluegrass Festival in CO., Podunk Music Festival in CT., on Dr. Bobby Jones TV Show, Good Morning America Drive Time, Gospelgrass Festival, plus various other festivals, churches, and schools. Diane also produced & hosted Bluegrass Gospel Music programs for years on more than 11 radio stations in various cities. Her greatest asset is that she became born again in 1990 upon receiving God's Divine miracle deliverances and healings. A tumor and cysts disappeared from her body and made her brand new. Diane passionately dedicates her life to Jesus Christ.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES
Mavis Staples, Albertina Walker, Crystal Gayle, Gloria Lynn, Pilgrim Jubilees, Foreigner, Sister Margie Sullivan, Stanley Bros., O.V. Wright, & the enterprising support of Russell Scholl which has influenced her greatly. Diane's huge list of favorites do inspire her & could fill a chapter.
Links
