email: wanda@jazz-avenue.com Wanda Ray Willis, a Bermudan singer, actress, and songwriter, began her singing career as a church soloist at a very young age. In Bermuda she sang at many hotels, did many shows and was an opening act for a variety of nationally renowned acts.

Her first record on Peach Tree Records of New Jersey was versatile & dynamic. The material showcased her three-octave range with dance music, R&B, and conversational rap, and received airplay in several states. From there, Wanda went on to do harmonious background singing for Specific Records of New Jersey.

While in Baltimore, Wanda displayed her acting talents in Purlie Victorious as the lead character. Her roles with the Arena Players were evidence of her versatility and also gained her media attention. Other acting credits include appearances in two college commercials.

Keeping busy studying music, writing, gigging, and doing session work in New York and New Jersey, Wanda auditioned and received the honor of being "Miss Fresh" for the Kurtis Blow/Fat Boys tour. Recording lead vocal material under KUWA Productions, doing modeling and background vocals for Polygram Records further allowed her to showcase her talents in the tri-state area. Video credits during this time include "Bad To The Bone" and" I'm Chilling", both of which were filmed in Manhattan. Concurrently, she recorded lead vocals for FMI record productions of Minneapolis and narrated & co-arranged video press kits for their artists.

Wanda's musical talents also include opera. She has performed solos with New Jersey orchestras and performed in operettas, one of which was an "off Broadway " production. In addition, she formed a Jazz trio, did several clubs in New York and New Jersey, and performed live on the Joe Franklin show.

Now a resident of California, Wanda continues to travel: even as far as Japan for a three-month singing engagement. She has worked in various clubs and is featured in several films, and has held main character parts for theatrical productions. She has been an entertainer/singer with Jazz Avenue since 2001. Always looking to improve, she continues to study (instruction to perfect her self contained piano/vocal act) and strive toward a successful career in the music business with a high-energy voice that brings songs to life with her dynamic, rhythmic, and thought-provoking renditions.

With Jazz Avenue, Wanda is focusing on traditional jazz. Her facility with R&B and popular music allows the band to provide a wide range of dance music. This versatility allows the band to rapidly shift gears from playing quietly in the background to “getting a party started”.

Ms. Willis is currently a member of SAG and AFTRA.