EPK

Short Bio

Downbeat award-winning jazz vocalist Lora Sherrodd has her eyes toward the future of jazz with her feet planted in tradition. The young vocalist, lyricist, improviser, and composer is a product of talent, hard work, exceptional teachers, and genetics. Based in Philadelphia, Lora brings new excitement to the vocal jazz scene, racking up an impressive list of credentials for her age. Although not many jazz musicians hail from Wyoming, Lora grew up surrounded by music. Lora is passionate about her role in encouraging women in music and emphasizes women empowerment with feminist themes in her compositions. With lyricism fit for the twenty-first century, Lora writes music that is relatable to young audiences while also upholding the jazz tradition.

Quotes

  • Lora’s vocal interpretations of jazz standards both honor the tradition of jazz music while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the vocal jazz genre. She is definitely a performer to watch!

    Hailey Brinnel - Sarah Vaughan Competition Finalist

  • Lora brings a fresh energy to the stage with her unique and personal compositions, which range from whimsical to pointed to profound. Her thoughtful arrangements reflect a thorough knowledge of tradition without defaulting to imitation.

    Tim Brey

  • I find Lora’s compositions to be musically interesting and expressive, and her words to be smart, insightful and often touching.

    Bruce Barth - Terell Stafford Quintet, Tony Bennett Band

  • Lora Sherrodd is an extremely creative artist, composer and vocal stylist. An extraordinary talent that is equally versed in the tradition, with an equal pension for the contemporary.

    Steve Fidyk - US Army Blues Big Band, Walt Weiskopf Quartet, The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Jack Wilkins Quartet

  • When you hear Lora sing, you know that Black American music is an important part of her life. You hear her influences and also hear her doing her own thing. Take note!

    Ben Markley - University of Wyoming Director of Jazz Studies

  • Lora Sherrodd is not only a very fine singer, she is also a great lyricist.

    Elio Villafranca

Latest Album: Lora Sings Markley

“In addition to being an old soul, Lora is a gifted lyricist. Her lyrics for Lora Sings Markley fit my compositions well and told a story that was a welcome layer to the tunes.” - Ben Markley

Latest Single: The Boss ft. Ben Markley

 The Boss was written while I was taking a women’s study course during my undergraduate studies. While researching an assignment, I came across an ad campaign from the Girl Scouts with a mission to ban the word bossy when directed at women. This summed up everything I have felt about myself in leadership roles my whole life. I wrote this song to encourage women leaders and to remind myself and other women leaders that we are not bossy, we are just simply the boss. 

Videos

Contact

lorasherrodd@gmail.com