Linda Tillery is a Grammy© nominated vocalist, producer, percussionist, arranger and cultural historian. Since she first appeared on stage at the tender age of 19, she has been considered as one of the Bay Area’s most soulful and dynamic singers.
She is recognized as a pioneer in Women’s music, with her second solo album titled Linda Tillery released on Olivia Records in 1977 and winning a Bammy (Bay Area Music Award) for “Best Independently Produced Album.” Tillery was also twice named “Outstanding Female Vocalist” at the Bay Area Jazz Awards. In addition to performing, she was the producer on three of Olivia’s first eight albums. Within the women’s music genre, she has collaborated with June Millington, Deidre McCalla, Barbara Higbie, Holly Near, Margie Adam, and others.
During the 1980s, Tillery branched out in many directions, recording three albums under her own name while becoming a central figure in Oakland’s R&B and funk scene.
In the 90’s, Ms. Tillery became a founding member of Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra, where she began serious study of improvisation and vocal performance. She toured with Voicestra for over five years.
In addition to her performing credits Tillery has appeared on over 70 recordings by such artists as Carlos Santana, Boz Scaggs, Pete and Sheila Escovedo, Taj Mahal, Vicki Randle, Eric Bibb, Mickey Hart, Bobby McFerrin, Linda Ronstadt, Huey Lewis & The News, The Whispers, Turtle Island String Quartet and Keith Terry’s percussion ensemble, Crosspulse.
In 1992, Tillery formed the 6-member Cultural Heritage Choir – a percussion driven, vocal ensemble.
She has metamorphosed into an authority on the African Diaspora in song. Her current mission is to help preserve and share the rich musical traditions of African American roots music.