At an early age, Chavonne began to realize the power of music. Hailing from a long line of gospel singers that include her mother, her grandparents and uncle, Chavonne would become the first in her family to break away from their deep-seated gospel roots. My mom always wanted to be a jazz singer and she had that chance, but my grandma wanted her to sing in church, so she did just that, she recalls. Although her mother was never able to realize her dreams, Chavonne was lucky enough to receive her grandmothers blessings to explore the world of music outside of the gospel realm. She enrolled in the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, where she dedicated herself to honing her craft.
Though she had already been singing with her uncles gospel group, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra gave the budding vocalist the opportunity to shine onstage during her sophomore year in high school. Following the recommendation of one of her instructors, the orchestra took Chavonne under its wing, giving her the chance to perform alongside the legendary Mel Torme, in addition to featuring her as a solo vocalist.
It wouldnt be long before she found herself in New York City, gracing the stage alongside other powerhouses such as opera singer Jessye Norman and Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige. Chavonnes vocal prowess helped her nab the cover role of Elphaba in the Gershwin Theaters production of Wicked, Dionne in Encores! Production of Hair and as the Radio in the Broadway production of Caroline, or Change. After appearing in such big musicals hits, shes now ready to spread her talents to the world of popular music.
While Chavonne acknowledges that musical theater has been good to her, she feels the time is right to explore a singing career beyond those confines. Its gotten to a point where you would do a Broadway show, then you would just do another one. Youre stuck at this lateral level. Unless you win a Tony Award, you dont get any type of recognition for it, explains Chavonne.
Teaming up with upcoming producers, Chavonne is looking forward to breathing fresh air into todays stagnant music scene. People arent really singing anymore, she says. Everyone wants to do this breathy thing now, but Im about singing. I'm about using my voice to get to people and using my talent to write so my audience understands me. I am a storyteller writer not a fantasy writer. My lyrics are real.
Chavonnes desire for recognition stems from more than just personal goals. Fate would claim the lives of her two older brothers, Darren and Eric. The fact that they both were aspiring rappers propels Chavonne to strive for the top not just for herself, but for her brothers dreams as well. They are my inspiration. Both of them wanted to be recognized for their music, so I feel like Ive got to do it for them. In fact, I will do it for them.
Her brothers arent the only source from which the budding superstar draws inspiration. She also cites musical influences such as Deniece Williams, Teena Marie and Mary J. Blige. However, she admits that theres one artist in particular that shed love her musical career to emulate. Whitney Houstons. I want to be able to crossover to every genre. Im not just this R&B/hip-hop singer; Im Chavonne.
Theres an adage that says, If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. If that proverb holds true, then itll only be a matter of time before Chavonne becomes an international success story.
