Soprano and vocal artist Denise S. Young whose career spans a diverse range of musical genres, including opera, jazz, gospel, and classical music is establishing herself as an inspiring voice in both local and international music scenes.
Led by her rich vocal tone and emotive performances underscored by seamless blending of genres, Young who began her musical journey influenced by her upbringing in Colorado Springs, Colorado, listened deeply to jazz legends like Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, as well as great names of gospel, such as Tramaine Hawkins.
In her teens, Young was introduced to sopranos Kathleen Battle and Leontyne Price, voices that she says changed her forever. This early exposure to jazz and all Black American music, followed by classical training, laid the foundation for her unique vocal style.
Working with tenor instructor and vocal coach Carl Franzen Young’s passion for jazz and gospel alongside a strong foundational training has allowed her to craft performances with a soulful and expressive quality, telling stories through music laden with both technical precision and emotional depth.
Drawn to the natural acoustics of chapels and cathedrals around the world, Young has also performed in some of the most prestigious venues around the world, including Carnegie’s Weill Hall, the Palace of Fine Arts, SFJAZZ, and Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Her performances are noted for their versatility, as she seamlessly navigates a wide range of musical styles. Whether singing classical arias, jazz standards, or American spirituals, Young brings a unique and compelling voice to each genre.
One of Young's standout live performances was the "Ellington and Friends" concert at the famed Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, celebrating the anniversary of Duke Ellington’s Sacred Hymns concert at Grace over 50 years earlier and featured Young’s interpretations of Ellington's works.
In addition to her solo performances, Young has collaborated with a number of renowned artists across different musical genres, allowing her to explore different musical traditions and broaden her artistic horizons.
In 2017, Denise S. Young released her first single, "Come Sunday," an interpretation of Duke Ellington's classic hymn. This release marked a significant moment in her career, as it showcased her ability to blend spiritual and gospel elements into a jazz framework.
Then came her debut album, Denise Young Soprano, a rich collection of multi-genre classics that toes the line between sonic cohesiveness and versatility. Showcasing her full range of her vocal abilities with depth and nuance, the project made a mark as a unique addition to the contemporary jazz and classical music scene.
Beyond her work as a performer, Young has also taken on leadership roles within the music community. In September 2020, she was appointed the board chair of SFJAZZ, an arts organization dedicated to jazz and Black American music. In this role, she has been instrumental in promoting jazz as an evolving art form and supporting educational programming that highlights the contributions of Black American musicians.
Young is also the founder of Blue Organza Productions, LLC, a company under which her album was produced. Blue Organza Productions includes a recording studio that Young uses for her projects and to mentor young artists. Through this initiative, she is fostering the next generation of musicians, providing them with the resources and guidance to develop their skills and navigate a tough world for artists.
As she continues to perform, write and mentor, Denise S. Young remains a vital and influential voice, inspiring both her peers and a next generation of artists to use every voice they have access to, telling the stories that still need to be told.
