Penny Wells rose from singing in youth choirs at her church to be a standard of talent to be recokend with. Her sultry and sophisticated sound has come from a background of vocal music styles such as Jazz, Classical, Spirituals and Gospel. She has studied at Wayne State University, Department for Music and Performing Arts and the Detroit Community Music School of Arts. She has also studied voice under the tutelage of Frances Brockington, Director of Vocal Music at Wayne State University.
Penny has traveled throughout the state of Michigan singing with various bands. She won first place in, "Your Turn to Shine," a talent contest, sponsored by Detroit's WJLB radio station. In 2000, Penny competed in "The Music Industry Showcase" that was sponsored by WGPR in Detroit and was voted as the "Unsigned Artist of the Month" for April 2000. As a result of her accomplishments, she was interviewed
on air and her single "Free To Walk Away" was placed into rotation.
Her talent in singing a wide variety of styles has prompted producers: Randy Scott of R & R Productions, John Penn, II of Undercurrent Records, and Darryl Wynn of R-Tyme Records to call her. Penny excelled in singing with various well-known and local talents including: Maysa Leak, Al McKenzie, KEM, Jean Carne, Lathun, Dwele, Ron Mitchell, Naima Shambourger, Orthea Barnes, Randy Scott, Duane Parham, John E. Lawrence and Yancyy. She has released her first CD "Shine" in May of 2004. This album has been called "Soothing, Honest and Inspirational..." by the Detroit Metro Times. She continues to write and record original compositions, spreading her wealth of vocal talents through song.
Professional performance and recording highlights:
Featured vocalist on CD entitled "Christmas...My Favorite Holiday" by Ron Tyson.
Opening act for the Temptations 2004
National Anthem for the 35th Ryder Cup Matches, Oakland Hills Country Club Bloomfield Hills, MI
Headlined with Dwele in concert, Millennium Theatre- Southfield, MI
Comerica Tastefest 2004, Detroit, MI
Arts, Beats & Eats Festival 2004-Pontiac, MI
Featured vocalist on CD entitled "Magic Rhythm" by Ed Stone.
Opening act for Jeff Majors, Detroit Unity Temple.
Montreal Jazz Bistro with Al McKenzie Trio, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Featured vocalist on CD, "Future" by Randy Scott, R&R Productions.
Featured vocalist on CD, "Right Words Inspire Love" by Javier, Unison Records.
African-American Freedom Festival, Hart Plaza Detroit.
Performed with KEM as opening act for Me'Shell NdegoOcello,
Magic Bag Theatre, Ferndale, MI
Featured vocalist on "Love Thy Neighbor" EP by KEM, Undercurrent Records.
Featured vocalist w/Al McKenzie Trio with Skip Pruitt and C.E.L., Millennium Theatre, Southfield, MI & Baker's Keyboard Lounge, Detroit, MI
Kucinich for Presidential Campaign Fundraiser, U of D-Mercy, Detroit, MI 2004
Featured vocalist, Soaring Eagle Casino, Mt. Pleasant, MI 2004
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