Aretha Franklin taught us how to "Think" and demand "Respect…" all while ridin' on the "Freeway of Love!" In PORTRAIT OF ARETHA, CeCe Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of both popular and lesser-known songs from this 18-Grammy-Award-winning icon’s 50-year career, including “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Rock Steady,” and “Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)." An award-winning songstress in her own right, Ms. Teneal has been nominated for four Independent Music Awards and claimed the title for 2011 Best Gospel Song (“I Heard You Prayin’”) and 2011 Best R&B Album (Train from Osteen), as well as 2018 Best Soul/Funk/Fusion Song ("Danger"). Other accolades include the 2015 Touch the Mic “Muse” Award, the 2017 Orlando Music Trailblazer Award, and the honor of being chosen as the halftime headliner for the 2019 Citrus Bowl.
PERFORMER BIO:
A country girl blessed with a powerful voice that is filled with soul and resonance, CeCe Teneal began as a cover band artist and is now captivating the globe by performing her own original music that aligns with a blues/soul/funk soundtrack, and an outstanding tribute show in honor of The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.
Born in Osteen, just outside of Orlando, Florida, CeCe never envisioned herself as a performer. Having inherited her voice from her mother, the universe had a different plan from what she first imagined.
CeCe has travelled to over 40 countries with her talent, gracing the stage before Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, Johnny Lang, Betty Wright, Cameo, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and the legendary B.B. King. In 2016, she produced Portrait of a Queen: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin and recorded and album which aligns with the show.
An award-winning songstress in her own right, Ms. Teneal has been nominated for four Independent Music Awards and claimed the title for 2011 Best Gospel Song (“I Heard You Prayin’”) and 2011 Best R&B Album (Train from Osteen), as well as 2018 Best Soul/Funk/Fusion Song (“Danger”). Other accolades include the 2008-2010 Orlando Best Live Band, the 2017 Orlando Music Trailblazer Award, and the honor of being chosen as the halftime headliner for the 2019 Citrus Bowl.
CeCe performs with her same band, Soul Kamotion, and after 20 years, their belief is that “5 people or 5,000…everyone gets the same show.” By effortlessly blending invigorating melodies with soothing sounds, she provides an incredible musical experience that transcends cultural and generational barriers. They released live album in 2018, which is a testament to that view. CeCe says that is why her longevity as an artist is sure to stand the test of time.
BAND MEMBERS:
CeCe Teneal – Vocals
Chris Baptiste – Keys
Darrius Jamar – Aux Keys
Terrell Kimble – Bass Guitar
Lelo Garcia – Guitar
BJ Courtney – Drums
Gaelle Andre & Nyeshia Smith – Background vocalists
