Toni Byrd/Shia Labeouf/Jessica Chastain/Mia Wasiko wska/Lawless

Toni Byrd, dubbed as "The Velvet SongByrd," is a world class, international and versatile song stylist and recording artist. Byrd is also a songwriter, award winner of the 2014 Black Women In Jazz, and semi-finalist in the 2014 Indaba Music Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition. In addition to all of her credits, add actress to her impressive list. Currently based in Atlanta, this beautiful native Memphian was cast in a primary role playing the character “Ida Belle" in the 2012 movie, "Lawless," an American crime drama film directed by John Hillcoat with screenplay by Nick Cave and starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Guy Pierce, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowksa, Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman. Byrd recorded background vocals for the TV series pilot, "Still The King", starring Billy Ray Cyrus and in December of 2016, under the historical Obama Administration, performed at the White House Tour in Washington, DC. In 2014 Byrd was the first female vocalist to perform at a grand opening for the legendary Pinewood Studios' American site formerly located in Fayetteville, Georgia. Pinewood Studios is known as a base for many productions over the years from large-scale films, including the James Bond, Marvel and Pirates of the Caribbean movie enterprises to television programs, commercials, and pop promos.

Byrd began her professional career in music in 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee. Her father, Lionel Byrd, who was a member of a 60's musical group, The 4 Kings in Memphis Tennessee, did not restrict her to one genre of music. She listened to gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, American Funk and Country Music. Byrd recalls hearing opera singer, Leontyne Price, in a commercial for the United Negro College Fund. "While growing up I never knew there were African American opera singers and found myself imitating the richness and clarity of this beautiful woman's voice." Her other influences include singers, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Roberta Flack, Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Maysa, Yolanda Adams, Andre Crouch and The Hawkins Family, to mention a few. "I am thankful to my father and to those amazing vocal icons who helped influence my early musical development and helped me find my own voice."

Due to Toni's extraordinary talent, she has drawn the attention of many talented musicians, vocalists and bands across the country. Currently Byrd performs her popular big band show, "Toni Sings Natalie...A Tribute to Natalie Cole," which is a huge hit with her fans. Byrd has performed in the UK, Portugal, Berlin, Czech-Republic, The Jazz Corner in South Carolina, St. Simons Island in Brunswick, Georgia, Tuskegee University, The Good Times Jazz Bar & Restaurant in Savannah and The Jazz Loft in Columbus, Georgia. She has also performed at some of Atlanta's most prestigious venues including The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Capital City Club, The Rialto Theater, Four Seasons Hotel, The Georgian Terrace, The Velvet Note, The Fox Theater's Egyptian Room, The Georgia Aquarium, Emory Performing Arts Center and Churchill Grounds.

In 2021 Byrd performed on stage with Grammy Award winning artist, Peabo Bryson, singing on two of his greatest hits, "Tonight I Celebrate My Love," a song he recorded with Roberta Flack in 1983 and the Disney hit "A Whole New World", the signature song Bryson recorded with singer, Regina Belle, in 1992 for the Disney animated feature film, "Aladdin". Byrd has performed as an opening artist for Gladys Knight, Kenny G, Alex Bugnon, Wycliffe Gordon, Andre Crouch, Vickie Winans, Take 6 and has performed after parties for Norman Brown, Eric Darius, Pieces of A Dream, Richard Elliot, George Benson and Boney James. Adding to this notable list, she was the headlining artist to perform before the legendary Dionne Warwick at a tribute in her honor. Ms. Warwick had nothing but rave reviews!

Byrd first recorded on a live music project that was produced by Stax Records songwriter and National Songwriter's Hall of Famer, David Porter. She recorded again with the Stellar Award nominated choir, Billy Rivers and The Angelic Voices of Faith, on their 1999 album, "Gotta Lift Him." In 2010 Byrd co-produced her first jazz project, "No Greater Love....Remembering Billie Holiday." In 2017 she wrote and released her first Gospel Jazz project, "Forever You're My God." It was nominated that same year by The Rhythm of Gospel Awards in 4 categories: EP/Digital Album of the Year, Praise/Worship Song of the Year, Best Performance by Female Artist and Inspirational Song of the Year. Byrd is the featured vocalist on a recording that gave tribute to Natalie Cole entitled "Toni Sings Natalie...A Natalie Cole Tribute" that was released in 2019.

The 4 Kings by Marv Goldberg

Based on an interview with Lionel Byrd