Changamire is a critically-acclaimed jazz vocalist and owner of Sonnig Records in Washington, DC, USA.
Changamire began listening to her Aunt's Jazz albums at age 13. She was immediately
attracted to the singing of Billie Holiday but, mainly enjoying R&B as a young teen, did not
pursue Jazz right away.
At 18, Changamire rekindled her love for Jazz, listening then to Sarah Vaughn, Dinah
Washington, Dakota Staton, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nina Simone. She began singing at jam
sessions around the Washington, DC area. While attending one of those sessions, a
seasoned musician told her in front of the audience that she should return to the session
at a later date, once she learned music. The embarrassment ran her away from the music
scene. Shortly after, she decided to take voice lessons.
Changamire was introduced to Glenn Turner, the pianist for Gil Scott Heron during that
time. Mr. Turner became her first vocal coach, and their sessions increased her love for
music and introduced her to recording. He recorded each voice lesson to use as learning
tools for Changamire. Together they recorded Jazz standards and Glenn Turner originals.
She later studied with Ronnie Wells and the legendary Charlie Hampton of the Howard
Theatre. Eventually, she began performing in intimate Washington venues, always filling
them to capacity.
Several years later, Changamire was working for a Public Relations firm, where she met a
Jazz label representative who suggested she make a recording, to have a presence in the
music industry. Soon afterwards, she began recording her debut CD, Only Human.
Changamire solely hired a producer, the finest musicians, and used the most professional
studios within her means. One session, recorded at the famous Sigma Sound Studio in
Philadelphia PA, utilized a 14-piece string section. Her credible publicity experience has
also been executed for the CD, warranting extensive press and acknowledgements,
including the Washington Post naming the CD as one of “the most satisfying releases by
area artists in 2001”. Selections from the multi-genre Only Human, prior to and after its
release, have numerously appeared on top 40 internet charts around the world, resulting
in over 35,000 plays of music on the Changamire website.
The promotional campaign continues for Changamire and Only Human. A professional
fashion photo shoot, high-quality CD release with commercial radio airplay, successful
video premiere, and a unique itinerary of upcoming events keep the public wanting more
of her. For recreation, Changamire enjoys fine dining, fashion, art, theater, and traveling.
Her professional and social affiliations include the Washington Area Music Association,
National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment (where she
was named “Executive to Watch”), Washington Project for the Arts, Corcoran Gallery of Art,
Young Benefactors of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, TransAfrica, and the African and
American Women's Association.
