
After listening to Jeannette
Bayardelle sing, one wonders if they have just had a sneak peak
into the world of angels. Her voice allows us to bridge the divide
of the natural world and evokes a praise from within that threatens
to drive us to our knees. After hearing just one song from this
passionate woman, the only conclusion to draw is that her gift
is certainly divine. And, thankfully, she has chosen to share her
voice with the world. Her musical talents have taken her around
the globe, to more than 25 countries and have opened the window
of opportunity for her to perform in some of Broadway’s most
popular shows.
Born in Bronx, New
York, Jeannette began singing in church at a mere 5 years old. She,
and her two older sisters (Anastasia and Marie), formed a group
called the “Bayardelle
Sisters.” Jeannette says because she was the baby of
the group, she was always blamed for singing off key. It
was with her sisters, and singing in the church choir, that Jeannette
began to develop her God-given gift.
Jeannette graduated from the acclaimed
Fiorelle H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts where she
was a vocal major. She continued her education at Hunter College
and received a Bachelors of Science in Health Science. It was during
her college years that she began to sing professionally. She made
her Off-Broadway debut in the Musical, “Another Chance,” where
she played the lead actress opposite actor Neko Parham. It was
during this show that Jeannette realized there was a divine call
on her life. She needed to make a decision to either obey
the call or choose another direction. During this crossroads, Jeannette
was signed to Smith Brothers Entertainment as an R&B artist.
Mid-way through the contract, Jeannette made the decision to leave
the R&B scene and pursue gospel music. Fortunately, Smith Brothers
was very supportive and accepted her as a gospel artist. This experience
brought forth the song Can't Run No More, both written
and performed by Jeannette. It was released on The Campus
Soul Compilation CD.
As her path became
clear, opportunity prevailed. Jeannette has starred in the Broadway
Production of “The Color Purple” as Celie. She currently
originated the role of Celie in the First National tour of “The
Color Purple” where she shares the stage with Michelle Williams
from Destiny's Child, Latoya London from American Idol, and Tony
Nominee Felicia P. Fields. Other credits include: Off-Broadway
production “Best of Both Worlds”. Jeannette has toured
with The Deaf of West Production “Big River,” where
she shared the stage with Tony and Grammy-nominated Michael McElroy, “RENT,” “Sister
Act” (Europe), and has entertained as a singer for Royal
Caribbean cruise line.
Although Jeannette
loves musical theater, her passion is using her voice for the glory
of Christ. Jeannette said, “This is my calling. God has blessed
me with this gift and I want to use it to serve him and help bring
people closer to him.” In 2004, Jeannette joined New York
producer and guitarist John H. Smith to create a melting-pot of
a praise CD that melds a variety of musical textures. The debut
CD, “Praise Report,” is a combination of gospel music's
past, present and future. From soaring, soulful vocals to pretty,
melodic soft tones, there is supernatural power in every song.
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