Toni Byrd
Toni Byrd, known as The Velvet SongByrd, is an internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter celebrated for her elegant, soulful voice and cinematic stage presence. A Memphis native now based in Atlanta, she has performed worldwide and continues to captivate audiences through her acclaimed tribute production Toni Sings Natalie… A Tribute to Natalie Cole, blending timeless artistry with heartfelt storytelling that resonates across generations. Her performance history includes a featured appearance in 2026 at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, hosted by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to honor the leadership, legacy, and impact of UNCF women presidents. Her greatest honor came in 2016, when she performed at the White House under the Obama Administration.
A Voice with Cinematic Soul
Toni Byrd’s sound feels like a scene from a film—warm, expressive, and rich with emotional depth. Raised in Memphis and influenced by her father, Lionel Byrd of the doo‑wop group The 4 Kings, she grew up surrounded by gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, funk, and country, shaping a voice rooted in history and heart.
Early Inspirations & Artistic Roots
Inspired by Nat King Cole, Nancy Wilson, Roberta Flack, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Leontyne Price, Toni learned early that music is storytelling. Her journey began with a recording produced by Stax legend David Porter and continued through work with Billy Rivers & The Angelic Voices of Faith. She stepped onto her first professional stage in 1996, bringing the cinematic presence that defines her artistry today.
Recording Artist & Creative Voice
Toni’s debut jazz project, No Greater Love… Remembering Billie Holiday (2010), showcased her interpretive power—honoring the past while making every phrase unmistakably her own. In 2017, she expanded her palette with Forever You’re My God, a Gospel Jazz project that earned four Rhythm of Gospel Award nominations and highlighted her ability to blend genres with elegance and authenticity.
Film, Television, Recognition & Honors
Her artistry extends into film and television. In 2012, Toni appeared as Ida Belle in the feature film Lawless, directed by John Hillcoat, starring Shia Lebouf and Tom Hardy and contributed vocals to the television pilot Still the King. These projects revealed her versatility as both a vocalist and performer.
A recipient of the 2014 Black Women in Jazz Award and a semi‑finalist in the
Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, Toni continues to bring her
warm, cinematic voice to audiences everywhere.
Collaborations & Musical Legacy
Toni has performed alongside Grammy‑winning legends like Gladys Knight, Kenny G, Alex Bugnon, Wycliffe Gordon, Vickie Winans,
Take 6, the late Ken Peplowski — the legendary clarinetist and tenor
saxophonist — and renowned jazz saxophonist, Jerry Weldon.
In 2021, she shared unforgettable duets with Peabo Bryson
cementing her place among celebrated vocalists. She’s also
graced the stage at after‑parties for Norman Brown, Eric Darius,
Richard Elliot, George Benson, and Boney James.
A Sound That Endures
Whether on stage, on screen, or in the studio,
Toni Byrd sings with a timeless elegance that is
unmistakably her own—a voice whose resonance carries both the brilliance of her past and the boldness of her future.