Tonya Boyd-Cannon
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1996 | INDIE | AFM
Music
Press
There’s nothing in the world like a live concert and with that being said I was fortunate to catch the “Soul Saturday” performance of Tonya Boyd-Cannon in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This young woman has the musical range that transcends the spirit and if one is truly paying attention, you know that you have been taken on the ultimate musical journey.
Boyd-Cannon took the jazz standard, “Summertime”, and re-invented the song by blending R&B with a Hip-Hop tone and then elevated the very same tune with an operatic flow that rivals both Jill Scott and Cathleen Battle and the same time.
Impressive especially when you notice patrons walking through the Dutch Alley and quickly looking for seats because they had all intentions of sticking around for more.
Boyd-Cannon did not disappoint.
She’s not just a singer… she’s an entertainer. That type of artist that you don’t come across as much these days.
I was in total awe with her stage presence. She was the epitome of engaging by maintaining constant communication and interaction with her audience, which ranged from toddlers jumping up and down to seasoned citizens who may never purchase a Hip-Hop CD but on this day they showed appreciation for the genre by nodding their heads throughout her forty minute set.
Boyd-Cannon was accompanied with just piano and drums but her musicians followed her hand gestures during the show to pure musical perfection making you feel a bassist and even a horn section.
What I’m trying to say is that this woman is the “real deal”.
I witnessed an eight minute improvisation that started with Boyd-Cannon showing love for the state of Mississippi by reciting the “crooked-letter” version of the childhood classic to identifying the NOLA-infamous “Silverman” coming through the crowd to join her in the mix and finally getting a large amount of the crowd to “Wobble with it”. She even found a way to incorporate the seventies “Play That Funky Music (white boy)” into the mix.
Again, it was a musical ride through all genres.
Call it cliché, but what she gave the crowd was “musical gumbo” and it was delicious to the ears making the crowd totally engaged and hungry for another bowl.
After speaking with her after the set, Boyd-Cannon informed me that she would be opening for legendary Jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson. I had to let it be known then and I will say it to this day…
Tonya Boyd-Cannon is a “bad woman” and it doesn’t get any better than that. - See more at: http://tonyaboydcannon.com/press/#sthash.1wP9De3r.dpuf - Robb Lee
I believe the heiress to Soul Queen; Irma Thomas has arrived! - Lyndon Jones, New Orleans Unplugged
“Her vibe and stage presence is witty and dope. She will make you laugh and cry in the same set, for sure at some point you will be in tears. She is a crowd drawing charismatic performer with one of the best voices I've heard in a while.” - Kimmie Tubre
I AM RAW "ENSEMBLE" SHOWCASE
FEATURED SOUL MUSIC
TONYA BOYD-CANNON - RAWArtist
TONYA BOYD-CANNON & SODIVINE LIVE @ BAYFEST 2012
MILLER LITE STAGE
MOBILE, AL - BAYFEST 2012
Before making plans to attend a Tonya Boyd-Cannon show, there is something you must first do- per her request. She asks that everyone have an “open mind.” Deliberately push aside any preconceived thoughts you may have about what qualifies as soul music. This Mississippi-born contralto is fully capable of performing flattering renditions from any soul-enriched era, but won’t allow people’s expectations to confine her music. To read more, log onto www.neworleansunplugged.com - Lyndon Jones
Tonya Boyd-Cannon rocks the stage w/ the Stooges Brass Band for the 2012 Jazzfest. She loves what she does; therefore she uses her gift of singing to fullest every time. - CRPhotography
Every Wednesday night w/ Tonya Boyd-Cannon & Friendz - FlyerzByNikki
LIVE @ the HIHO Lounge - FlyerzByNikki
Tonya Boyd-Cannon; New Orleans own proclaim the victory at the Budweiser "Battle for the Crown" SuperFest on August 29, 2010 at the Republic in New Orleans, LA. She will go on to compete nationally for a grand prize winning of $25,000. You can vote at www.battleforthecrown.com - Times Picayune
"Tonya's voice is incredible, she truly ministers through her singing. As a broadcast journalist I make it an effort to find stories that help people. Through her testimony and song I know many viewers are encouraged after hearing Tonya." Tamica Smith, Reporter
"It's no secret Tonya's voice ministers to adults, but when my 5 year old ask to give Tonya a hug after hearing her sing, I knew "Miss Tonya", as my daughter calls her, was special to all". Tamica Smith
- Tamica Smith WJTV 12
Spring Musical
Special Guest:Gospel Recording Artist
Tonya Boyd-Cannon - Lisa McKinley
The Ladies of the 100 Black Women, Inc. enjoyed a heart-to-heart visit and a spot of tea served with sandwiches and sweets while being entertained by TONYA BOYD-CANNON
(VIP Magazine May 2006) - Chrissy Cheshire
Mrs. Boyd-Cannon possesses a geuine interest in becoming a spirit lead solo gospel artist. Her committment to excellence is commendable. Her dedication to self-actualization of others that today follow in her footsteps is admirable. For she is one who operates well in the Gospel Arena, displays initiative, loyalty to purpose, provides innovative thoughts and creativity while embracing professionalism. - Jason Bolin, Owner/Founder
Tonya... best of luck with everything... You have an amazing gift!
"Tonya has a voice that is rare. It's a God given talent that should be shared.. And it's a blessing she's so willing to share it. From the first note, you're hooked. On top of talent, her hard work and discipline to the craft is something we can all appreciate."
- Eric S. King WJTV Newschannel 12
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Across the nation, her name is buzzing. Tonya Boyd-Cannons luxurious, soft and smooth to downright gritty and golden voicewith its rich, deep contralto rangecan only be described as what happens when silk meets sand.
With a lifetime of musical influences that began to take shape when she was just a child singing in her fathers church choir, Tonya Boyd Cannon began her professional career as a background vocalist with Jean Knight (1999). After completing the Queen album, she was inspired by Knight, to pursue her dream in music. Her first solo project was recorded Precious and dedicated to her late grandmother.
After being displaced and suffering the total loss of her home in Hurricane Katrina, Tonya released the Rise My Child album in 2006, dedicating the album to survivors of the storm and life. She partnered with the NOVAC organization and recorded the titled track Rise My Child in her Lower 9th Ward neighborhood.
Over the years, Tonyas voice and career began to take shape. In 2010, she was crowned the winner of the Budweisers: Battle for the Crown contest, allowing her to open for Anthony Hamilton, KEM & Jaheim. With this achievement, she began singing across the nation, in showcases and festivals. In 2011 & 2012, Tonya performed in Alabamas Bayfest, where she stopped a crowed in their tracks, as she belted Journeys ballad Lights.
Tonya performed with the Stooges Brass Band at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Essence Fest in 2012, where she rocked the crowds. Her Essence performance led her to perform on stage with Grammy Award winning rapper-songwriter, EVE. She is also known for her Gospel performance scene as the new voice on the Warren Chip Forstall commercial.
Her years as a performer are immeasurable; for Tonya is a true entertainer who shares her passion and love for music with her audience every time she takes the stage. Whether she is performing solo or with her band (SoDivine) she knows how to leave her audience mesmerized. When she combines her elements of sound, techniques, skills and passion to create Muzic, Tonya personifies the song and tells a story through the melody as she does in her single IN NEW ORLEANS, her impromptu ode to the city she calls home, that has become a crowd favorite.
Tonya knows how to give her audience just what they needmusic that pours from her soul, touches theirs and leaves them wanting more.
So come on and Gro-o-o-o-ve with TBC Muzic!
Band Members
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