TONYA BOYD-CANNON & DA TRUTH BRASS BAND

Biography

Tonya Boyd-Cannon, a Mississippi-born and Louisiana-raised singer-songwriter, began singing as a child, the daughter of a preacher, with much of her musical training from high school and middle school band directors through auditory learning and observation. She is a classically trained vocalist who studied vocal performance in college and plays piano, organ, drums, and saxophone, performing across genres like jazz, funk, classical, rock, gospel, reggae, and neo-soul. Her professional career launched as a background vocalist for Jean Knight, known for 'Mr. Big Stuff,' and expanded into roles as a music vocal coach, educator, creative arts teacher, minister of music, and former Orleans Parish Prison sheriff's deputy, where she created the first combined male and female mass choir.[1][2][3][4][6]

Boyd-Cannon's career gained prominence with her 2006 album Rise My Child, the 2010 win in Budweiser’s Battle for the Crown allowing her to open for Anthony Hamilton, KEM, and Jaheim, and appearances at festivals like Bayfest, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Fest, including an onstage moment with Eve. She competed on NBC's The Voice in 2015, delivering a standout gospel-infused rendition of Elton John's 'Take Me to the Pilot.' Her style fuses soulful contralto vocals with diverse instrumentation into a 'musical gumbo,' marked by versatility, sensuality, and bravado in New Orleans' brass band and soul scenes.[1][3][4]

Today, Boyd-Cannon serves as executive director of the 'Rise My Child' Foundation for youth aged 3-18, directs the New Orleans Citywide Youth Choir, and leads global vocal workshops, viewing music as a healer that reflects her inspirational artistry and community commitment.[1][3]

Fun Facts

• Won Budweiser’s Battle for the Crown in 2010, opening for R&B stars Anthony Hamilton, KEM, and Jaheim, boosting her to national showcases.[1]
• As a former Orleans Parish Prison sheriff's deputy, she created the first combined male and female mass choir, emphasizing revitalization over judgment.[1][4]
• On The Voice in 2015, she transformed Elton John's challenging 'Take Me to the Pilot' with gospel-church elements after initial struggles, earning praise from coaches.[3][4]
• Stunned Bayfest crowds in 2011-2012 by powerfully performing Journey’s 'Lights,' showcasing her rock ballad range.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• High school and middle school band directors - Primary musical training through auditory learning and observation (Instrumental foundation for multi-genre performance) [Childhood to high school years]
• Paul Mirkovich - Musical director on The Voice who collaborated on performance arrangement ('Take Me to the Pilot' (2015)) [2015]

Key Collaborators

• Jean Knight - Background vocalist (Early professional gigs) [Early career]
• Stooges Brass Band - Live performance partner (New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Essence Music Festival) [2012]
• Eve - Onstage performance (Essence Fest) [2012]
• Cassandra Wilson - Performance collaborator (Live shows) [Career-spanning]

Artists Influenced

• Inmates at Orleans Parish Prison - Created first combined male/female mass choir as music coach (Prison choir program) [Former sheriff's deputy era]
• New Orleans Citywide Youth Choir members - Director providing vocal training (Youth choir direction) [Ongoing]
• Rise My Child Foundation participants - Executive director mentoring children aged 3-18 (Foundation programs) [Ongoing]

External Links

• Spotify