Quiana Lynell

Quiana Lynell is an American blues and jazz singer, arranger and songwriter.

Quiana Lynell
Performing at R&B Festival at Metrotech, Brooklyn
Background information
Born (1981-04-16) April 16, 1981
Tyler, Texas
GenresJazz, blues, funk, R&B, gospel
Occupation(s)Singer, song writer
InstrumentsSinging
LabelsConcord Records
Associated acts2 Da T
Websitequianalynell.com

Early life

Lynell was born in Tyler, Texas.[1] She grew up in a religious home and was exposed to gospel music from a young age. During high school she was in the all-state choir.

Education

Lynell moved to Baton Rouge for her education. Lynell earned a B.A. degree on Vocal Performance from Louisiana State University on a scholarship.[2][3]

Career

Lynell began her singing career as a classical singer[2] and was a member of the St. James Episcopal Church choir in Baton Rouge. After meeting Janelle Brown, lead singer of the zydeco group 2 Da T, she began exploring additional musical genres, including zydeco and R&B.[3] She has been mentored by notable artists such as Aaron Neville, Germaine Bazzle, and Wendell Brunious.[4]

In 2017 she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition[5] and as a result of the award she received a recording contract with Concord Records.[6]

Lynell has performed with Nona Hendryx, Terence Blanchard, Jon Cowherd, Marvin Sewell, Eric Harland, Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin, Bilal, Ledisi, and with local artists and bands in Louisiana. She regularly performs at venues in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, including at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on multiple occasions.[7][2][3] She has also performed with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra as a principle Soprano[4][8] In 2017, with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lynell performed a tribute concert to Ella Fitzgerald, celebrating her 100th birthday.[9] In 2018, Lynell was a featured artist with Bernard Purdie's All-Star Shuffle, and Bobbi Humphrey, at Brooklyn Academy of Music's R&B Festival in Brooklyn.[10]

In 2016, Lynell released the EP Loving Me (Q Sound)[11] and the single Baton Rouge (Q Sound).[12] Lynell has been a featured soloist on studio albums, including an full-length album with Terence Blanchard to be released in early 2019.[13][3]

Lynell has developed the educational program, "Made in America: Lyrically Speaking: Breaking Down Jazz, Blues and Soul in American Music, from the Vocalist Perspective", which has been used in clinics across the United States to educated students on jazz, blues and traditional American music from the vocalist perspective.[14][2] She is also the founder of the running club, Musicians Run, aimed at promoted running to local musicians in Baton Rouge.[15][16]

Lynell has held several teaching positions, including as band directors in elementary and middle schools.[3] Since 2016 she has been a private vocal instructor and an adjunct professor at Loyola University New Orleans, Louisiana.[2]

Awards

Personal life

Lynell has two children and lives in Baton Rouge.[5]

References
  1. Hamilton, Rhonda (13 November 2017). "Quiana Lynell Wins First Prize at the 2017 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition". WBGO. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  2. "Quiana Lynell". Loyola University New Orleans. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  3. Helfand, Raphael (27 June 2018). "Leap of Faith: Quiana Lynell's phenomenal ride". OffBeat Magazine. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  4. Spera, Keith (9 May 2018). "Keith Spera's Sound Check, May 10-16, 2018: Chicago, Bilal, Dweezil Zappa and more music in New Orleans". The Advocate. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  5. Barris, Michael (27 November 2017). "Quiana Lynell Wins Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition". Downbeat. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  6. Wirt, John (8 December 2018). "Hitting the right notes: Baton Rouge singer Quiana Lynell's star continues to shine". The Advocate. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  7. Helfand, Raphael (22 March 2018). "Sunpie, Big Sam, Quiana Lynell And More To Rock Delgado Music Fest". Offbeat Magazine. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  8. "Quiana Lynell". Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  9. Coviello, Will (21 November 2017). "Quiana Lynell sings Ella". Gambit. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  10. "Bernard Purdie's All-Star Shuffle with guests Bobbi Humphrey and Quiana Lynell". BAM. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  11. ""Loving Me" by Quiana Lynell". MusicBrainz. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  12. ""Baton Rouge" by Quiana Lynell". MusicBrainz. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  13. "Quiana Lynell". Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  14. "Local nonprofits provide youth outreach with classes taught by working musician mentors". NOLA.com. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  15. Rome, Chandler (24 January 2016). "Running helps musician Quiana Lynell regain top form". The Advocate. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  16. "Singer Quiana Lynell melds musical talent with tools for life". 255 Magazine. 12 February 2017. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  17. Mester, Amanda (13 December 2017). "And The Nominees Are...Vote Now For Best Of The Beat Awards 2017!". OffBeat Magazine. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
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