Sultry, Captivating, and Sensual, describes the voice that flows effortlessly from YaDonna. She is the daughter of famed vocalist Willie West and songstress Yvonne Wise. A native New Orleanian, YaDonna has charmed the city of New Orleans from a very young age. With the vocal group Cinnamon, she recorded her first single “Fairytale Fantasy” produced by Wardell Quezaire and Joe Broussard.
YaDonna’s first album was produced by Allen Toussaint on the SANSU record label. She soon became an intricate part of the most influential music makers of New Orleans. This was no small feat as she toiled relentlessly on the infamous French Quarter music circuit. YaDonna’s discography and credits include recordings with George Duke (Leap of Faith Soundtrack), Robbie Robinson of “The Band”, The Neville Brothers, Art Neville and George Porter of “The Meters” and Willie DeVille of “Mink DeVille”. Further accolades include a second album as a member of recording artists “MaHogany Blue” entitled “Love Zone” on MCA record label in 1991.
YaDonna’s musical travels began to take flight when Mahogany Blue toured with Bruce Willis for the grand openings of “Planet Hollywood Restaurants. The tour included various cities within the United States, Korea, Indonesia, Australia, England and France. Touring with Willie DeVille broadened the groups’ horizons further by performing in Monte Carlo, France, Amsterdam, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Finland and Scandinavia.
Headlining with MaHogany Blue in Sao Paulo, Brazil for several years has raised them to unparalleled heights of stardom. Performing live, YaDonna has shared the stage with famed artists such as Tina Turner, Sting, Van Morrison, B.B. King, Solomon Burke, ToTo, Mother’s Finest, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley amongst others.
The genre of Jazz and Blues has been her passion and desire to express herself through her music since the beginning of her musical career. YaDonna is currently launching her solo career by the release of her Jazz and Blues CD entitled “Living Ain’t Easy”, scheduled for release May 11, 2007. Formulating this CD has been a labor of love.
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