Stuck working a regular job when you know you have hidden talent? Do you have dreams burning inside you, just waiting for that one big break to make your wishes come true? Don’t give up hope—singer Tia DuRant’s amazing story will put some wind in your sails!

DuRant, born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, first found her voice singing in her grandfather’s church choir at just five years old. Those early years listening to gospel traditions shaped a deep musical foundation. While she spent her early adult years working a standard 9-to-5 banking job, her true calling eventually pulled her away from the finance desks and onto some of the nation’s biggest stages.

Leaving a stable career takes immense courage, but DuRant’s leap of faith quickly turned into a dizzying schedule of hundreds of live shows across the United States. Performing both with corporate bands and as a solo act, she proved her velvet-smooth vocals could captivate any room. Over the last few years, she has shared the spotlight with legends like Patti LaBelle and The Isley Brothers, frequently collaborating with regional stars like jazz guitar virtuoso Terence Young.

DuRant’s career hit a turning point on the legendary stage of the Apollo Theater in Harlem, proving she was one of the most authentic soul and jazz vocalists coming out of the Southeast. Her momentum grew when she competed on NBC’s hit show The Voice. During the Blind Auditions, she turned multiple chairs with a stunning rendition of “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Joining Team Kelly Clarkson, she went on to deliver an unforgettable battle round performance of Chris Stapleton’s “Either Way,” bringing her talents to millions of viewers worldwide.

A major representation of DuRant’s musical journey is her celebrated production, “A Tribute to the Women of Soul.” This show honors the female icons who paved the way, paying homage to powerhouses like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, and Patti LaBelle.

Instead of just copying these classic songs, DuRant breathes fresh life into them. By mixing traditional jazz arrangements with deep R&B richness and modern vocal runs, she creates a nostalgic yet completely fresh concert experience. Through the music, DuRant aims to use her performances to uplift, heal, and inspire.

With a deep-rooted faith, endless work ethic, and instantly recognizable voice, the “Princess of Soul” is transforming her childhood dreams into a lasting musical legacy.

Thursday, June 25th, don’t miss our own local “Princess of Soul”, Tia DuRant. 

Article written by Middle C Jazz Marketing Support, Scott Homewood.