DETROIT QUEENS OF JAZZ – Coming together in a true tradition of jazz sisterhood paying homage to the women that paved the way. We stand on the shoulders of strong, determined, gifted sisters who pushed through adversities. Never giving up, always moving the music and thereby, the world, forward.
Leading this Ensemble, JOAN BELGRAVE is Detroit Jazz Royalty. She is a radio host for Detroit’s WJZZ “Groovin’ With Joan Belgrave” Every Monday 5-8pm. A three-time Grammy-considered vocalist, she is a songwriter, a music & film producer (currently producing a documentary on her late husband, Marcus Belgrave), and winner of the 2023 Detroit Music Awards for Songwriter. She performs at the Ascona Jazz Festival (Switzerland), The Detroit International Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s Club (NY), The Jazz Standard (NY), The Jazz Showcase (Chicago), and more. Whether singing Jazz, Blues, Gospel or Soul, her voice is rich, captivating and engaging. Metro Times says, “She could give a pitbull goosebumps.” She has recorded 10 vocal releases (5 as a Leader).
DIANE MATHIS is a Detroit Legend. At the tender age of 8 years old she performed at Detroit’s historic 20 GRAND CLUB. After opening there for Legendary singer Lou Rawls, he requested that she join him on tour! At age 15, she was signed to Capitol Records releasing as a solo artist. She traveled the world singing background for Isaac Hayes, Detroit Jazz Trumpet legend Donald Byrd, Motown Legend David Ruffin as well as leading her own ensemble. In 2023 she was inducted into the National R&B Hall of fame as a founding member of the legendary vocal Group “The Debonaires. She is a songwriter and a playwright. She brings her vast experience and “gorgeous” vocals to whatever genre of music she performs.
JONI CRAWFORD a native of Detroit, has always had a passion for music. She attended Wayne State University School of Music. She was a featured vocalist with the Jimmy Wilkins Jazz Orchestra. She has toured in Japan and has opened for Ramsey Lewis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Betty Carter, Joe Henderson, and Freda Payne, to name a few. She’s also honed her directing and producing skills for the “Ed Love Live Jazz Radio Show” which airs on WDET 101.9 in Detroit. She is a vocal and piano instructor.
TONYA HOOD a native Detroiter was groomed and presented as a featured jazz vocalist by Detroit’s Official Jazz Master Laureate, the late trumpet master, Marcus Belgrave. She is a former Lead vocalist with Motown’s Original Vandellas, and continues to perform Jazz, Gospel and Soul.
These incredible ladies are accompanied by Joan Belgrave’s stellar band, “The Detroit Sound”: Zen Zadravec (p), Nate Winn(d), Jaribu Shahid (b), and John Douglas (tpt).
