Grace Garland

Born in New York City, Grace Garland rose to fame in the early 1980s when she played Vera Vanderbilt on the TV series All My Children. She went on to become a series regular on The Apollo Comedy Hour between 1993 and 1995, a TV series filmed at the legendary Harlem Apollo Theater. She  played a number of notable film roles, including Q's (Omar Epps) mother in Juice (1992), and Dr. Love in 30 Years to Life. She also made a guest appearance as Maxine on The Cosby Show (1992). Grace was an original cast member in the off-Broadway hit musical The Last Session, playing Diva. She also appears on the original cast recording from this show.

In addition to her skills as an actress, she was a well-loved songwriter and performer on the New York scene. She released a solo album titled Lovers Never Lie (In Bed) (2005) and penned her first book titled Loneliness Makes You Stupid! – The Grown Woman's Dating Guide (Part 1) (2006).

Grace was described as "The Tina Turner of Jazz," due to her energy and passion. Grace's original music speaks to women everywhere, allowing for reflection, empowerment and feel-good moments. Grace's album GRACE GARLAND - LADY G!, is the definition of Grace: sexy, honest and passionate-without apologies.

Three original songs on her GRACE GARLAND - LADY G! album have received a Global Music Award Medals: "I'll Cry Later," for Jazz female vocalist, "Before You Fall Asleep," for best original lyrics, and "Tits and Toes," for originality.

Grace was featured in chapter 12 of the book “TASTY JAZZ JAMS FOR OUR TIMES”, by Debbie Burke. This book includes Grammy® award winning artist Bobby Sanabrina, Grace, and other indie Jazz musicians and vocalists.

The Anyway Cafe on Second Ave in New York was home for The GRACE GARLAND DUO for more than ten years. Except for during the COVID crisis, Grace took the stage from 8 to 11 pm and sang her heart out. She was a consummate entertainer, who loved her audiences even more than they loved her. 

Grace performed at Lincoln Center in The Indie Collaborative's 2022 Winter Holiday season show. 

Sadly, Grace left us in early 2024. Her bright smile and good humor are sorely missed.

Quotes

"The enthusiasm, the biting humor, the voracious passion are what define Grace Garland"

~ Debbie Burke-Jazz Blogger

"LADY G! is a fine amalgam of some superlative song that brings Garland as a performer to the fore"

~ Ricky Kej, Grammy® Award winning composer

"Outstanding and Unforgettable! A night of Jazz madness"

~ bigapplejazz.com

"She comes onto the stage like a dynamo, and you can't take your eyes off of her. She is pure entertainment, and pure joy."

~ Grant Maloy Smith, Billboard Top 10 artist

"Sexy/fun Jazz CD"

~ Radio Zenith-Italy

"Ms. Garland  is a combination pixie and seductress, a scamp our of Moliere with a hint of New Orleans Floozie" ~ M. Shepherd

Grace brings a unique fusion of JAZZ and contemporary Blues. She "sings standards with unstrained natural tone, and superb phrasing and a seamless sense of rhythm" ~ S. Witt

More Information

Grace was known for her powerful solo performances around the world, sharing the spotlight with the likes of Lew Tabakin Cyrus Chestnut, Phyllis Hyman, Misha Tsiganov, Peter Cincotti, Camille Thurman, Flutist Bobbi Humphrey, Leonid Ptaska, Cleve Douglass, and Michika Fukumori.

Her voice was also heard in countless radio and TV spots, most notably with Actor James Earl Jones and the late legendary blues guitarist B. B. King, as well as Film Loop Groups (i.e. BESSIE-starring Queen Latifah; MUDBOUND - starring Mary J. Blige; COME SUNDAY, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor). 

Grace penned her first "Hilarious, yet right to the point"(Misani) Book: LONELINESS MAKES YOU STUPID! THE GROWN WOMAN'S DATING GUIDE (PART 1)

Grace is a Volunteer Entertainer for LIFEbeat/HeartsandVoices, the Music Industry fights HIV/AIDS. "The ability to make someone SMILE and forget their problems, if even for 1 minute, is what it's all about"

Her music will live on forever - her album GRACE GARLAND - LADY G! is available at on iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, and more.

Awards

2020 Broadway World Cabaret Awards for Best Original Song, "New York Attitude." 

2020 Clouzine International Music Awards, Best Song, "New York Attitude." 

2019 Clouzine International Music Awards, Best Indie Song, "Lovers Never Lie (Live)"

2019 Global Music Award, Silver Medal, Album Outstanding Achievement, GRACE GARLAND - LADY G!

2018 Global Music Award, Silver Medal, Lyrics/Songwriter, "Before You Fall Asleep"

2018 Global Music Award, Bronze Medal, Creativity/Originality, "Tits and Toes"

2017 Global Music Award, Silver medal, Female Vocals; "I'll Cry Later"

Grace was a BMI Songwriter and Recording Artist, and a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA.