flautist, saxophonist and vocalist
Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Willonna pursued her dreams of becoming a professional musician by taking private flute, saxophone and voice lessons from the Detroit Community Music School. Here she began to build her repertoire of Jazz and Blues. She chose to move to California (the land of opportunity) in 1987 to further pursue her dreams.
Willonna worked at the Jazz niteclub Birdland West in Long Beach, California in the early 1990's as a Hostess. With a job like this, she was able to talk to entertainers and let them know she was also a musician. She "sat in" with numerous artists including: Barbara Morrison Quartet, Kenny Rankin Band, Charles Owens Quintet, Jimmy Witherspoon Quartet, Al Williams Jazz Society and the list goes on ......
Willonna's repertoire includes arrangements of classic jazz standards as "My Favorite Things" to original compositions as "Construction Blues" and "So Special".
The song "Construction Blues" was derived by Willonna's experiences as a Heavy Equipment Operator. She thought it would be great to write a song about her day job. Playing music is one of the many talents she loves that makes her life exciting.
Willonna is a dazzling and exciting entertainer. Through her performances, audiences are captivated by her beautiful smile and sensitive yet, electrifying stage presence.
Willonna's New Debut CD called "So Special" features excellent musicians as: Ralph Penland on drums, Ray (The Blues Man) Bailey on guitar, Ricardo (Rico) Belled on bass, guitar, organ and vocals, David Cousins on bass, Tim Keehn on vocals and David Arana on piano and keyboards.