Connye Florance
Jazz Vocalist, Actress, Vocal Coach,
Teaching Artist, Songwriter, Storyteller
"The blessing is that the music has brought me this far. I'm grateful that folks are regularly "touched and fed" by my presentations of jazz and story. They always leave 'better' than they were when they entered. ...and if I can improve a moment in a life, I'm fulfilling my purpose.
​
I'm my most authentic self when I'm communicating with people through jazz music. Because I have more to give than I do something to prove, I meet far more 'hearts filled with gratitude ' than I do 'critics filled with attitude'."
​
"Along with an impeccable, healing vocal instrument, Connye delivers honesty, elegance and realism, a rare combination." -- Kevin Madill
GRACIOUS THANKS to Broadwayworld.com Theatre reviewer/critic Jef Ellis for an inspired review of my performance of Ethel Waters in "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" with Kennie Playhouse Theater, as well as bestowing me the honor of a 2024 "First Night 'Star' Award. A Fine start to the year!
******************************************
Thanks also to Award writer Craig Havighurst: WMOT Music News, The String, whose fantastic profile of my career journey is now posted on my home state arts organization page at https://www.ncarts.org/comehearnc/365-days-music/greensboro-native-connye-florance-sings-nashville’s-jazz-rhapsody
​
"A gorgeous voice that combines the power of Jennifer Holiday and the emotive authority of Whitney Houston.”
- Christopher Louden Jazz Times
​
"Her vocal elegance is highlighted by an emotional quality that is at once reassuring and breathtaking."
- Leon Russell, Singer, Songwriter
“A ticket to a Connye Florance concert should probably include a warning: Prolonged exposure to this singer’s velvety vocals can induce an involuntary, trance-like state of blissful nirvana.”
-John Pitcher, Art Now Nashville
​
