This native Washingtonian began singing in his high school gospel choir. After finishing high school he became a DC Firefighter ignoring his burning desire to pursue a music career. Later in life he was determined to fulfill his dream by starting his own band (Influential). The band performed to sell out audiences at local venues through out the metropolitan area. The band dissolved, but he continued to play weddings and banquets to quench his burning desire to sing.
From his earliest memories, Stoney would listen to artist like Luther Vandros, Donnie Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Larry Graham. Stoney has always been a lover of and had a passion for "live" music. He recalls... "At age 11, I'll never forget the time I walked three miles to see Stevie Wonder at the Washington Monument for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Live music does something to my soul. Hearing each instrument do its thing brings out the best in me. I love it!" Stoney has performed with Take Six, Johnny
Matthias, Aretha Franklin and the Winans.
Living in the same household with his uncle, George Spann of the "Dynamic Superiors", Stoney learned to play the piano at the age of 14 and the importance of dedication, and practice, practice, practice. Spann showed him the ropes of the music industry. Spann stressed, "You have to be better than the best." He was very hard on me always challenging my vocal talent, which caused me to work harder at my craft in order to set a higher standard.
A higher standard indeed is what Stoney brings in his debut CD recording entitled "LOVE CHANGES". This offering brings a combination of smooth sultry vocals with heartfelt lyrics, some of the hottest nationally recognized jazz musicians and an illuministic style that gives him the "Midas touch". This vocalist, writer, producer and musician captivate your mind with undulating rhythms, moody bass, jazzy guitar, funky drums & percussion, and melodic saxophone all caressed by phenomenal vocals. His vocals produce a wide range of sounds allowing him to creatively produce a wide range of songs. He is a music artist destined to succeed. Many compare him to Maxwell, Will Downing, and Prince. His debut concert in his hometown of Washington, DC as a 2000 seat venue left the crowd stomping and screaming for more. His distinctive artistry, passion, and deeply emotional delivery set him apart. He's a romantic fascinated with the idea of being in love.
"LOVE CHANGES" creates an emotional evoking, thought provoking experience through songs that take you on a relationship journey. This album has hit the ground running selling over 8,000 copies since its November 20th release. The songs just don't have an "I love you baby" theme. If you listen, there's a story is being told.
It opens the door to relationships with the encounter in "Latin Lady", followed by infatuation in "Crazy", to falling in love in "Caught up in the Rapture", ending in a break up, where he finds himself "All Alone". In this final song, Stoney croons his way into your heart with a falsetto that pierces the soul.
Watch out Maxwell, Brian McKnight, Will Downing..... , Stoney Ellis has arrived!
This native Washingtonian began singing in his high school gospel choir. After finishing high school he became a DC Firefighter ignoring his burning desire to pursue a music career. Later in life he was determined to fulfill his dream by starting his own band (Influential). The band performed to sell out audiences at local venues through out the metropolitan area. The band dissolved, but he continued to play weddings and banquets to quench his burning desire to sing.
From his earliest memories, Stoney would listen to artist like Luther Vandros, Donnie Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Larry Graham. Stoney has always been a lover of and had a passion for "live" music. He recalls... "At age 11, I'll never forget the time I walked three miles to see Stevie Wonder at the Washington Monument for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Live music does something to my soul. Hearing each instrument do its thing brings out the best in me. I love it!" Stoney has performed with Take Six, Johnny
Matthias, Aretha Franklin and the Winans.
Living in the same household with his uncle, George Spann of the "Dynamic Superiors", Stoney learned to play the piano at the age of 14 and the importance of dedication, and practice, practice, practice. Spann showed him the ropes of the music industry. Spann stressed, "You have to be better than the best." He was very hard on me always challenging my vocal talent, which caused me to work harder at my craft in order to set a higher standard.
A higher standard indeed is what Stoney brings in his debut CD recording entitled "LOVE CHANGES". This offering brings a combination of smooth sultry vocals with heartfelt lyrics, some of the hottest nationally recognized jazz musicians and an illuministic style that gives him the "Midas touch". This vocalist, writer, producer and musician captivate your mind with undulating rhythms, moody bass, jazzy guitar, funky drums & percussion, and melodic saxophone all caressed by phenomenal vocals. His vocals produce a wide range of sounds allowing him to creatively produce a wide range of songs. He is a music artist destined to succeed. Many compare him to Maxwell, Will Downing, and Prince. His debut concert in his hometown of Washington, DC as a 2000 seat venue left the crowd stomping and screaming for more. His distinctive artistry, passion, and deeply emotional delivery set him apart. He's a romantic fascinated with the idea of being in love.
"LOVE CHANGES" creates an emotional evoking, thought provoking experience through songs that take you on a relationship journey. This album has hit the ground running selling over 8,000 copies since its November 20th release. The songs just don't have an "I love you baby" theme. If you listen, there's a story is being told.
It opens the door to relationships with the encounter in "Latin Lady", followed by infatuation in "Crazy", to falling in love in "Caught up in the Rapture", ending in a break up, where he finds himself "All Alone". In this final song, Stoney croons his way into your heart with a falsetto that pierces the soul.
Watch out Maxwell, Brian McKnight, Will Downing..... , Stoney Ellis has arrived!
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