The B-Side

/It all starts with the voice. A soulful instrument that is both powerful yet strikingly vulnerable; an engaging gift that transcends musical genres and industry trends. For acclaimed performer Elisabeth Withers, that voice and all-around talent garnered her a prestigious Tony Award nomination for her role as the seductive scene-stealer Shug Avery in Oprah Winfreys Broadway mega-hit THE COLOR PURPLE. Upon graduating from BERKLEE SCHOOL OF MUSIC (Boston, MA), the Midwest-born singer/songwriter set to conquer NYC! After much hard work, numerous auditions and disappointments, she was hired to sing background for MARY J. BLIGE, ERYKA BADU and JENNIFER LOPEZ. Shortly after, she was asked to be one of the three featured background singers at The White House for the 2000 Millennium Concert produced by QUINCY JONES and STEVEN SPIELBERG. From there, she found herself in the studio singing on both R. KELLY and CELINE DION’s albums. A string of studio back-up sessions followed as Elisabeth began to cultivate a reputation as a first-rate vocalist. It is not surprising then how Withers quickly caught the attention and respect of producer, arranger and songwriter TONY MORAN (Janet Jackson, Beyonce’ Knowles & Cher). So much so that Moran recruited her to co-write two dance club classic “Rising” and “Emotions” (2002), tracks that reached the top 5 on the Billboard charts. Elisabeth Withers was now going under the diva alias ELLE' PATRICE. Soon after, Elisabeth was commuting monthly from New York to Boston to record the PBS special Between The Lions. It was on the children’s literacy program that she played one of the five “Vowelle”. A Motown-type animated character that encouraged children to sing songs through learning. In 2005 Elisabeth received a call from industry friend and music legend Nick Ashford, who suggested the vocalist audition for the OPRAH WINFREY-produced stage adaptation of The Color Purple. She was more than up for the challenge as she won over producers Quincy Jones and Winfrey. Elisabeth’s triumphant run on Broadway soon attracted the interest of record labels. With its rich musical heritage and underlining focus on the art, BLUE NOTE was the perfect home.

Website:  www.elisabethwithers.com