Currently Musical Director for Diana Ross and bassist for Jeffrey Osborne. Recorded and Live Performances Diana Ross, Jeffrey Osborne, Babyface, TLC, Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Smokey Robinson, to name a few.
Nadine Raffia Ford is a New York born-Los Angeles based singer and songwriter. Raised a short distance from New York City in the suburbs of Long Island, Raffia was constantly surrounded by a rich culture of soulful music, dance, and meaningful art which later served as a foundation for her own musical talents.
At the tender age of five, young Raffia discovered her passion for singing, and further recognized her God given gift to perform. As a child, she was a standout vocalist as a member of the Children’s Church Choir, during which time she made her solo debut. At an early age, she chose to focus on developing her vocals skills utilizing her involvement with the choir as a means of displaying her singing ability....
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Currently Musical Director for Diana Ross and bassist for Jeffrey Osborne. Recorded and Live Performances Diana Ross, Jeffrey Osborne, Babyface, TLC, Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Smokey Robinson, to name a few.
Nadine Raffia Ford is a New York born-Los Angeles based singer and songwriter. Raised a short distance from New York City in the suburbs of Long Island, Raffia was constantly surrounded by a rich culture of soulful music, dance, and meaningful art which later served as a foundation for her own musical talents.
At the tender age of five, young Raffia discovered her passion for singing, and further recognized her God given gift to perform. As a child, she was a standout vocalist as a member of the Children’s Church Choir, during which time she made her solo debut. At an early age, she chose to focus on developing her vocals skills utilizing her involvement with the choir as a means of displaying her singing ability.
Years later, Raffia began writing compositions with musical inspiration from such artists as Whitney Houston, Rachelle Ferrell, and Anita Baker to name a few. Her voice could be best described as soulful, sultry, and passionate. From her ballads, to the up-tempo dance tracks, Nadine possesses the musical rhythm and style that has been compared to likes of Phyllis Hyman, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Toni Braxton.
Raffia graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, in Boston Massachusetts, with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education/Voice Principal. Shortly after graduating, Raffia received the opportunity to travel to Manila, Philippines performing as the lead vocalist of the funk/jazz fusion band entitled Satya. She later sang with recording artist Jennifer Holiday, who played the original “Effie” from Dreamgirls at Martha’s Vineyard. It was evident early on that Raffia was destined for stardom, and that she was merely scratching the surface of what was yet to come.
Raffia later performed provided background vocals for, numerous artists including Aretha Franklin, Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton, Chante Moore, Anita Baker, Ledisi, Gloria Estefan, Patrice Rushen, Melissa Etheridge, and Donnie McClurkin. Her dreams turned reality and her hard work certainly did not go unnoticed.
In 2009, Raffia competed to be part of P Diddy’s, Making His Band Reality Television Show. Her voice and persona awed the judges as she was chosen as one of five finalists out of thousands of musicians who had auditioned from across the state of New York. Her vocal ability carried her throughout the entire competition and into
the televised final round of eliminations.
The success continued with more television exposure performing background vocals on various nationwide televised shows such as, “The Jacksons – A Family Dynasty” that debuted on the A&E network. Rhythm and Blues legend, Toni Braxton’s show “Braxton Family Values” of the WE network. The Ellen Degeneres show “12 days of giveways” during the Holiday season. Raffia appeared on the Ellen Degeneres performing background vocals for the Star Vocal Coaches of “The Voice” Christina Aguilera, and Blake Shelton.
With a slew of experience on her resume, and several highly respected musicians and producers in her corner, Raffia has begun working on her solo career. She is currently in the studio working on her debut album with various producers. She is prepared to share her potent singing and songwriting talents with the masses.
Raffia explains her sound this way; “Music is a powerful tool that was created to show expression. In my music I strive to express positive and meaningful life experiences that we all can relate to, regardless of age. Music is about touching people, and giving a sense of substance, hopefully sending a message that can be taken and applied to everyday life.”
Raffia’s debut album will feature a blend of Soul and R&B with a Jazz vibe that shows extraordinary gift. Raffia is a rarity in the music world today and a strong singer who lives to give her audience more than a performance, and a rare look into her musical soul.
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