Ashley

On August 12th 1985, Ashley Kenyetta Washington was born and from the beginning she showed great interest in music. Having a big personality at a young age, it was obvious she was destined to sing. At the tender age of 4 her first major performance was for Paul Simon which open the doors for Ashley to began to shine. From 1994-2000 she sang in the Soul Children of Chicago. Being one of the youngest soloist at nine, she was selected as one of the leading vocals to travel all the way from Canada to Switzerland, getting her 1st experience overseas. This experienced opened Ashleys eyes and ears to so many different genre and expressions of music. She was inspired by such artist such as Damien Saez, Goldfrapp, Angelite and Bulgarian Passion Choir. Ashley also sang background on The Oprah Winfrey Show for the movie, "The Prince of Egypt where Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey both greeted her warmly. Ashley always talks about how she was the 1st at the back door when they were making there way in for sound check It was sign! she jokes. From Garth Brooks to Dianne Warwick she was given the opportunity to open up and sing, Ose funi Mungu just one of the many songs that she sang with the choir. Garth noticed her singing along with him Ashley right away chimed in on Achy breaky heart. He invited her up on stage to join him. From Save the Childrens Foundation to the many music festivals, Ashley never seemed to get tired of traveling and performing. She often ventured out and sang doing Showtime at the Apollo and events such as Mayor Daleys Navy Pier Ball in 1997 and The Alpha Kappa Alpha balls she enjoyed all the activities including the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago for President Clinton.The Ravinia Festival for Lion King production was also a major highlight in her life. Dancing is a 2nd love of hers she recalls how much fun it was. Ashley recalls meeting many friends and from around the world Kungala Aboriginal dance team to Soweto step-in fire. Excitement is an understatement as to how she felt to do what she loves. From the Seder Uniting African American and Jewish American celebration to CBS Channel two Telethons and IHSA Vocal competitions throughout the state. Ashley competed with her school choir and by herself in 3 different categories Jazz, Gospel, and Chamber music. Each one she came in 1st place in vocal skill, gospel, jazz, and Chamber music from the Baroque period Ave Verum Corpus one of the many Romanesque language songs she enjoys. Ashley has done Jingles for McDonalds as well as a host of competitions she recently wrote and background for an upcoming artist Lana Hardin. Cant Nobody Wrote Redeemed soul wrote and background for Lana Hardin cant nobody (Also did additional backgrounds for I never knew, No longer lonely, Tender Mercy, She currently is working on her demo and touring as background vocalist for Angie Stone myspace layouts