Tanya Dennis

Tanya Dennis demonstrates notable skill as both a violinist and vocalist whose range spans jazz, country, Latin, and additional global styles. Initial notice arrived through her role as a touring musician alongside Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, and further acts. Her solo career opened in 2000 with the Americana-infused Waterdance and continued with the 2003 country album Apartment #9. Jazz expression appeared on the 2021 release White Sails Blue Skies.

East Tennessee native Dennis began building her musical path in earnest at the University of Miami, where she studied music, led an R&B/funk band, and sang with jazz, Latin, and country ensembles. After Miami she spent three years in Seattle, then returned to Tennessee and moved to Nashville to advance her career by forming a band for four years of regional shows. She also worked as a staff vocalist, supplying demo vocals for other artists and performing on television commercials. In 1993 a demo reached a prominent Nashville record producer, who invited her to join Faith Hill’s touring band as a backup singer. That connection produced additional touring work with Bill Anderson, Ira Sullivan, Eddy Raven, and Wade Hayes, plus opening slots for Reba McEntire, Leann Rimes, and Little Texas. While touring in Skip Ewing’s band in 1997, Dennis received a management offer from his manager, which resulted in the independent appearance of Waterdance two years later; the album contained a duet with Survivor keyboardist and songwriter Jim Peterik. Apartment #9 followed in 2003. After a decade of sailing and restoring a 50-foot sloop, she issued the contemporary jazz album White Sails Blue Skies in 2021.