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Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
Joni Crawford, a native of Detroit, Michigan, has always had a passion for music. She attended Wayne State University & Art Center Music School with aspirations of becoming a classical vocalist and music teacher. While attending a performance by Sarah Vaughn at The Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, she heard Jimmy Wilkins’ 17 piece orchestra and began her love affair with Jazz. Soon after the festival, Crawford gained an opportunity to audition for the orchestra, eventually securing her spot in the band. This grand audition set the stage and sparked her blooming career as a Jazz vocalist. Crawford remained feature vocalist with the Jimmy Wilkins Orchestra until 1994, in the following year, performing as the lead in her own group “Jazzeray” at The Montreux Jazz Festival in Detroit.
Still a student to her trade, Crawford expanded her vocal education by attending several Jazz study programs; “Jazz in July” at University of Massachusetts and Clark Terry-Jazz Study Camp at Westmier University of Lamar, Iowa. Joni finished her studies and received a revered award for “Most Outstanding Vocalist”.
In 1996, Ms. Crawford was tapped by Martha Reeves (of Martha & The Vandellas), to join the National Tour of Fats Waller’s “Aint Misbehavin”. Ms. Crawford portrayed the role of character – Armelia, receiving rave reviews for her blossoming talent as she performed throughout the country. Keeping her feet wet, Ms Crawford’s talents has led her to tour in Japan as well as open for respected artist such as Ramsey Lewis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Betty Carter, Joe Henderson, and Freda Payne, just to name a few.
Her first vocalist debut in a movie was “Detroit Comedy Jam-The Movie”, under Musical Director, Joe LaDuca. Ms. Crawford’s acting debut came later with the works of “The Door”, “Gullah Tales”, and “Mrs. Grace Mattox”, all performed at the Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan.
In addition to Ms. Crawford’s wide range of outstanding talent and accomplishments, she joined Williams Media Corporation Jingle Company, and has done a number of radio jingles: Pop Secret Popcorn, Honey Nut Cheerios, Say Yes to Michigan Campaign and a host of others. She’s also honed her directing and producing skills for the “Ed Love Live Jazz Radio Show”, on WDET 101.9 in Detroit, where Ms. Crawford currently serves on Board of Directors as an alternate. Topping it all off with her One Woman Show-a tribute to the late legendary 1920’s film star- Joan Crawford.
Ms. Crawford continues to master her craft and studies in Classical Jazz; currently she’s learning songs in various languages: French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Also, she is Director of the Brush Park Conservatory of Music and Fine Arts, located in Detroit, Michigan.
Look for her first CD in progress, and soon to be released.
Memberships: AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, American Federation of Musicians Local 5 in Detroit.
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