Danielle Ponder who is based in Rochester, NY didn’t start out as a singer at all. She had been working at the Public Defender’s office as the only African-American lawyer for a decade. She has rallied around issues of justice reform, women’s issues, and more. She left in 2018 to pursue her music career. She learned to play piano at a young age because her dad who was a pastor played the piano at church. She grew up listening to such gospel singers as Shirley Ceasar, and more. She says she was influenced by such artists as Aretha Franklin, Portishead, and her favorite Nina Simone.

It may have taken three years to write and record her debut album but Danielle Ponder is ready to take on the world. She released her album in 2022 titled Some of Us Are Brave to critical acclaim. Check out the song, “Someone Like You,” love her vocals on this song. She just released a new single, “Roll The Credits” and I already have this on my playlist. She will be performing at the Lollapalooza Festival in August. She has some gigs around the country and we hope she comes to NYC for some dates. Check out this talented singer-songwriter and support independent music and musicians. Happy listening!