The Art of Storytelling through Song with Dee Daniels
September 30, 2025 - by Mackenzie Ault
This October, internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Dee Daniels returns to Bellevue as a headliner for the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series on Saturday, October 11. Known for her five-octave range and magnetic stage presence, Dee’s artistry has been shaped by a lifetime of diverse experiences—from singing gospel in church choirs to teaching visual art, from international stages to intimate local venues. In this Q&A, Dee shares how her early years in music shaped her calling, how teaching influenced her approach to performance, and why returning to Bellevue holds such special meaning.
How did singing in a church choir influence your love for music?
Growing up, music was always present in my life, my dad filled our home with blues records during the week, and Sundays were all about gospel at church. My mother made sure we were always involved, and by the time I was nine, I was already playing piano for Sunday school, eventually accompanying three different choirs. In church, young people were encouraged to participate, whether in the Sunshine Choir or later the youth choir, and that constant involvement made me feel comfortable expressing myself through music. Even though my formal education and early career focused on art, those years in the church choir instilled in me a deep love for music and the joy of sharing it with others, something that ultimately guided me to embrace music as my true calling.
You’ve balanced both visual art and music in your life — how did your background as an art teacher shape the way you approach music and performance?
My time as an art teacher shaped the way I approach music and performance in a big way. I was painfully shy growing up, so teaching forced me to step out of my shell, learn how to lead, and gain confidence in front of people. In the classroom, I also discovered how powerful music could be in shaping mood, I’d play smooth jazz or classical to create a calm, creative atmosphere, then switch to something upbeat at the end of class to energize the students. That experience taught me how music can guide emotions and connect with people on a deeper level. When I eventually turned to music full time, those lessons were carried over: I don’t just perform songs, I think about how the music will make people feel, and how to create an experience that moves them.
What do you hope your students take away from your teachings beyond just vocal technique?
Beyond vocal technique, I want my students to understand the deeper power of the voice, how sound, vibration, and intention can move people. That’s why I created my clinic Making It Real: The Art of Storytelling. It shifts the focus from just “singing a song” to truly telling a story, helping students connect to honesty, emotion, and imagination in a way that naturally brings their music to life. My hope is that they walk away not only with tools for performance, but also with a greater awareness of choice, authenticity, and how their voice can express truth, lessons that carry into life as much as into music.
How did you connect with the group you’re performing with now?
I’ve known and worked with each of these musicians for many years, sometimes in trios, quartets, or even with the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. They’re not only great players, but people I truly respect, and that’s just as important to me. What makes this group special is that they understand my style and the context of my music, so when we come together it feels like a true unit rather than just a singer with a band. That compatibility, both musically and personally, is what makes the connection so strong.
Is there a past performance or venue that stands out as especially memorable?
I’ve been blessed with so many memorable performances, but one that always stands out is the first time I sang with Monty Alexander. I was living in Europe at the time when I got a message inviting me to perform with him at the Queen’s Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland, alongside John Clayton, Ed Thigpen, and Johnny Griffin. I practically lost my mind with excitement, it felt like pure joy from start to finish. I still have a little cassette recording of that night, and every time I hear it, I’m transported back to that incredible moment.
What are you most looking forward to performing in Bellevue?
Bellevue is really special to me because I actually lived there for a while and spent a lot of time performing in the city. Back in the day, my band opened Mad Anthony’s, the very first Anthony’s restaurant, and what was supposed to be a one-month contract turned into five months because the place was packed every night. I have such fond memories of that time, so I’m really looking forward to coming back after decades away and reconnecting with the community through music.
As Dee Daniels prepares to take the stage at the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series, her return to the city is more than just a performance, it’s a homecoming. With her deep roots in gospel, her unique perspective shaped by both art and teaching, and her powerful ability to tell stories through song, Dee promises an evening that will resonate long after the final note. Explore more of her upcoming projects and music at deedaniels.com, and be sure to secure your tickets for the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series to experience this unforgettable performance live.
