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Tanyas Bio

Tanya Diona


 Tanya Diona is a recording artist, songwriter, actress, vocal producer, and award-winning vocalist known for her Grand Canyon-sized voice, broad range, and emotionally charged performances. Her debut solo album (Nothing to Prove, Something to Say) tells the true story of her journey – a story of persistence, faith, and how to realize your dreams. She delivers her brand of classic, highly musical, groove driven R&B and funk, with a modern-pop sensibility, while drawing deep influence from artists Teena Marie and Rick James. Her path has served as inspiration for many aspiring performers, as it has taken her from local bar gigs in Buffalo, NY to America’s number one singing show American Idol as a house band Vocalist, Vocal Arranger, and Vocal Coach, as well as Vocal Producer for 19 Recordings / Interscope Records, and to the Grammy stage behind Lady Gaga and Nile Rodgers. 

Performing for national and international audiences, Tanya’s credits include shows like Showtime at the Apollo, NBC’s The Singing Bee, the 2008 Democratic National Convention, ABC’s Neighborhood Ball (President Obama’s official Inaugural Ball), Europe’s Save the World Awards, Fox’s American Idol, the Grammy Awards (with Nile Rodgers and Lady Gaga), and the Oscars (with Lady Gaga). She has had the honor of singing behind renowned artists Alicia Keys, Anita Baker, Barry Manilow, BeBe Winans, Beyoncé, Boyz II Men, Carrie Underwood, Constantine Maroulis, Deborah Harry, Dennis Edwards (of the Temptations), Dionne Warwick, Dr. John, Full Force, Jennifer Lopez, Jermaine Jackson, John Legend, Kim Burrell, Kindred, La India, Lady Gaga, Ledisi, Martha Reeves, Mary J. Blige, Melba Moore, Melissa Etheridge, Nile Rodgers, Paul Shaffer, The Pointer Sisters, Roberta Flack, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Stone City Band, TLC, Taylor Dayne, Tim McGraw, Tom Jones, Toni Basil, The Village People, and Yolanda Adams. She is a first place winner on the world famous Apollo Theater stage, and a five-time survivor there. One of her greatest honors was being recognized with American Idol’s musical director, Ray Chew, on the occasion of her CD release show, with the proclamation of “Tanya Diona & Ray Chew Day” from the City of Buffalo. 

Fire and Desire: It is Tanya’s great privilege to pay tribute to both Rick James and Teena Marie, alongside Paul Anthony of Full Force, in their own new remake of “Fire and Desire.” Their dramatic and passionate embodiment of this epic soul ballad has been greeted with the cheers and standing ovation of thousands. Their studio recording marks the first release of this iconic song as a single. Tanya is honored beyond words to be a part of this momentous event. She is also thrilled to be a part of performances with members of Rick James’s Original Stone City Band, both as a backing vocalist and stepping forward to sing lead on Teena Marie songs. 

Interested to learn more? Learn more Tanya in “The Tanya Diona Story.”

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