Vanessa Collier

Vanessa Collier is an American blues, funk, and soul saxophonist, singer and songwriter who has emerged as one of the most dynamic performers on the contemporary blues scene. Born in Dallas, Texas and raised in Columbia, Maryland, Collier discovered her passion for blues music at age 11 when she played a solo on her saxophone over a blues progression in jazz band. She first picked up the saxophone at age 9 and studied privately with Chris Vadala, exploring classical, jazz, and many other styles. Collier embarked on her road to recognition at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, earning dual degrees in Performance and Music Production & Engineering. While still completing her degree, she landed a position touring with Joe Louis Walker for a year and a half before Joe encouraged her to strike out on her own. Vanessa has been nominated for twelve Blues Music Awards and has won four of them: Horn Player of the Year in 2019, 2020, and 2024, and Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year in 2022. Her albums include Meeting My Shadow (2017) on Ruf Records, Honey Up (2018) which spent nine weeks on Billboard's Top Blues Albums Chart, and Heart on the Line (2020). With her powerful vocals, extraordinary saxophone skills, and compelling stage presence, Vanessa Collier continues to push the boundaries of contemporary blues.

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