VONQWEST

VonQwest’s penchant for vocal expression was manifested at the tender age of five. Raised in the church, he was singing gospel music with the children’s choir at Macedonia A.M.E. Church under the tutelage of his mother who was the Choir Director, as well as an accomplished vocalist. VonQwest moved through his teens listening to great musical legends such as James Cleveland, Walter Hawkins, and Andre Crouch. Strongly influenced by the strength and passion of gospel singing, VonQwest continued to develop his own unique abilities, performing with local church groups at various social functions.As VonQwest matured, his family encouraged his artistic expression and lent him much needed emotional support as he embarked on his career in the recording industry. His musical palate covered various types of musical art forms, such as Jazz, R&B & Rap. Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Sarah Vaughan and Will Downing became his role models in the secular world of music. Dave Hollister, Carl Thomas , Joe , R. Kelly, Nas Jay Z , Kanye West and Kelly Price are just some examples of the artists he enjoys today. VonQwest’s debut release, “Victim of Love”, on Easy Street Records was noted in Billboard Magazine as a “carefree rhythm and blues/house gem”. His single also had rave reviews in Dance Music Report and Street Sound Magazines which rated “Victim of Love”, “a song worth listening to and will no doubt be picked up by loyal fans”.VonQwest won an Emmy Award for best daytime performance at the McDonald’s Gospel Feast 2000 and gave a winning performance at The Apollo Theater Amateur Night competition. He also showcased his talent at NBC Dateline’s benefit for The Hale Organization, another forum where VonQwest displayed his vocal abilities for audiences attended by established artists and executives in the recording industry such as Stephanie Mills and Mary J. Blige. VonQwest also opened for Brian McKnight at the Oakdale Theater in New Heaven Connecticut which was also one of the many highlights in VonQwest’s career. As VonQwest sums it up, “My main philosophy is to make quality music for the masses, and especially, for those who understand the message of my music”.