New Orleans has long been a city with deep musical roots, giving rise to some truly remarkable vocal talents. From soul-stirring R&B singers to powerhouse rock vocalists, the city’s influence on American music is undeniable. In this post, we spotlight Eight of the best vocalists to emerge from or be based in New Orleans. These artists have not only showcased incredible vocal ability but have also made lasting contributions to their genres. Let’s dive into the voices that helped shape the city’s rich musical legacy. Here are Eight of the most talented vocalists in New Orleans ready to elevate your next event.
Gabrielle Cavassa
Gabrielle Cavassa is a singer and composer, recently signed to Blue Note Records. She was ushered into the spotlight through her collaboration with renowned saxophonist Joshua Redman on his critically acclaimed 2023 record ‘where are we’. In a five-star album review by Downbeat, Cavassa is hailed as “a young singer with a deep, rich, and fragile voice…a star in the making.”
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Taylor J. White
American soprano Taylor J. White began her music career in jazz and Mississippi blues, performing as a featured soloist at the 2018 and 2020 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festivals in jazz and gospel. Her resume also includes performances with New Stage Theatre and Fondren Theatre Workshop in Jackson, MS where she performed the roles of Gary Coleman in Avenue Q, Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show, and a Dynamite in Hairspray.
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Lauren Gisclair
Since her early childhood, music has always played a significant role in Lauren’s life. As a budding musician in New Orleans, she lived and breathed everything singing. She studied, admired and slightly obsessed over all the greats from Julie Andrews to Renee Fleming. With much support, guidance and lots of LOVE from some incredible and inspiring voice teachers, Lauren found a life career as a musician in New Orleans. And even more importantly as a voice TEACHER.
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Nola Richardson
Making her mark as an “especially impressive” (The New York Times) soprano, Australian/American Nola Richardson is a rapidly rising star increasingly recognized for her performances which combine a voice of “astonishing balance and accuracy,” “crystalline diction,” and “natural-sounding ease” (Washington Post) with “spellbinding acting-singing… substantial powers of melisma, melodic agility, and timbre modulation.” (blogcritic.org)
John Boutté
During his school days John played coronet and trumpet, those clarions of life in New Orleans, in his junior high and high school marching bands; he was a section leader, no less, in a town where marching bands duel like decked-out demons in the street. School also gave John the chance to sing, first at talent shows and then with street a capella groups, groups named — listen — “Spirit” and then “Remnant.” Linger for a moment on those names, and then let them resonate an instant longer, street bands singing on the bricks of a town where “street singer” is still a respectable job title.Take another moment and stir in the spices of the music that was on the turntables of his older brothers and sisters, the music that ruled the street and raised the spirits: Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5 and Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway.
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Caren Green
Caren Green is a fantastic R&B performer with a modern twist. She is from the exciting city of New Orleans in the United States. Caren Green has a voice that floats through songs with ease, and she enthralls audiences with her deep and passionate performances.
Caren Green, who is renowned for fusing modern music with R&B, offers a novel viewpoint on the genre. Her music incorporates jazz, funk, and pop elements to create an enthralling blend that gets audiences on their feet. Caren Green’s flexibility is evident in every note, whether she is shouting out stirring ballads or moving to addictive beats.
Anaïs St. John
Anaïs St. John was raised in a musical household and trained as an opera singer, singing mezzo-soprano with the New Orleans Opera. She branched out as a solo artist, blending jazz, blues, and R & B, inspired by iconic singers like Eartha Kitt and Lola Falana, and hometown heroes such as Irma Thomas and Germaine Bazzle. She can be found performing her classy, impeccable repertoire in clubs and at festivals across the city and in Europe. St. John has developed several tribute shows, honoring Donna Summer, Tina Turner, and Lulu White (the Queen of Storyville), and often incorporates that material into her sets.
Doreen Ketchens
Doreen Ketchens has been called Lady Louie, Miss Satchmo & The Female Louis Armstrong, to name a few. However, on May 26, 2022, Doreen, was honored with a Doctorate degree, in music from Five Towns College, in Long Island New York. Now she is Dr. Doreen J. Ketchens! Dr. Doreen has changed the way scholars view their clarinets. She has successfully created her own style that blends her classical training with the soul of jazz.
Final Thoughts
From powerhouse soul singers to country legends and refined jazz stylists, New Orleans’s vocalists bring depth, range, and personality to every stage. Whether your vision includes soaring ballads or laid-back acoustic vibes, the talented artists above are ready to bring your event to life.
📩 Need help finding the perfect New Orleans-based vocalist for your private event? Reach out anytime at dreamteam@booklive.com — we’d love to help make your celebration unforgettable.