Vanessa Collier – Sax, Soul & Blues Firebrand
Vanessa Collier is a dynamic force in contemporary blues, blending soulful vocals, fiery saxophone, and sharp songwriting into a sound that’s both rooted in tradition and boldly modern. With multiple albums, numerous Blues Music Awards, and a reputation for electrifying live performances, she’s one of the most exciting artists shaping the future of the genre.
Early Life & Musical Roots
Born in Dallas and raised in Columbia, Maryland, Vanessa picked up the saxophone at age nine. Her passion for music led her to Berklee College of Music, where she earned dual degrees in Performance and Music Production & Engineering. During her time at Berklee, she performed alongside legends like Annie Lennox and Willie Nelson, and began carving out her distinctive blues voice.
"When I first heard the blues, it was like someone was telling my story before I even knew how to tell it myself." — Vanessa Collier
Career Highlights and Impact
After college, Vanessa toured with Joe Louis Walker, one of the genre’s living legends, before striking out on her own. Since then, she’s released standout albums like:
- Heart, Soul & Saxophone (2014)
- Meeting My Shadow (2017)
- Honey Up (2018)
- Heart on the Line (2020)
She has been honored multiple times with the Blues Music Award for Horn Player of the Year, making her one of the few women to dominate a traditionally male-dominated category.
On stage, Vanessa is pure electricity — her shows blend heartfelt ballads, funked-up sax grooves, and blistering blues solos, all delivered with a smile that lights up the room.
If you ever get a chance to see Vanessa Collier live, don’t miss it. She isn’t just playing the blues — she’s living it, breathing it, and pushing it forward for a new generation.
Photo by Vanessa Collier Official Media