Vocal sensation Diunna Greenleaf was a huge hit when she first performed at the festival three years ago, and many have been eager to see her return. With a delightful mix of gospel, soul, and Texas blues, and a powerful voice shaped by a childhood steeped in gospel singing and a father who was a vocal coach to Sam Cooke, among others, she made a deep impression.
Diunna, from Houston, Texas, released her debut album in 2004, well into adulthood. The following year, she won the prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and she received the Koko Taylor Award there in both 2014 and 2017. This year, she also won the award for Best Blues Album for “Trying To Hold On.” For several years, she was a member of the Muddy Waters Legends Tribute Band, alongside Hubert Sumlin, Bob Margolin, Willie “Big Eye” Smith, and others.
Diunna is often compared to legendary female singers such as Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, and Big Mama Thornton. But thanks to her gospel background, she was also a huge hit at Sunday’s church concert, and we can’t wait to hear her perform there again this year.
Dark Season Blues©2017
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