Chandra Currelley-Young is a name synonymous with energetic vitality, professionalism and sheer talent - a name instantly recognized in the atlanta music scene and with artists and producers on both coasts.

Her musical union with jazz-funk legend Roy Ayers produced many exciting performances across the country as well as the moving title track duet, "I'm The One," in 1985. the Pittsburgh Courier noted, "Her shops are powerful, but she reaches upper and lower registers effortlessly...she's also quite a fantastic scat vocalist..." an exclusive article in the Atlanta Journal/Constitution praised the collaboration with Mr. Ayers and acknowledged the immense respect and clout she commands.

Chandra Currelley

Chandra is comfortable with any style of music. cited as being "The Perfect Lead Vocalist", in an article by Black Radio Exclusive (BRE) magazine commenting on Chandra replacing Mary Davis as lead singer of the S.O.S. Band in 1986.

Chandra and the S.O.S. Band climbed the Billboard charts to number N°4 with "I'm Still Missing Your Love" on Tabu/Sony Records on the "Diamonds In The Raw" album. with the success of "Diamonds In The Raw", Chandra recorded a second S.O.S. album on A&M Records entitled "One of Many Nights", with the single "Sometimes I Wonder". It would be the twentieth top twenty single for the S.O.S. Band. Ms. Currelley wrote three songs on that album, including the second single the haunting ballad, "Broken Promises".

Ailey), Miguel Angel, Sharon Brown, Jason Samuels-Smith (Bring Da Noise), and many other artists.

Tom Jones then produced a show, through his production company, Jomandi, specifically for Chandra entitled "SLAM", which debuted at Atlanta's Jomandi Theatre and was later featured at the Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C. It was because of her incredible performance in D.C. that Chandra was nominated for a Helen Hayes award in 2000 for Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical for the character "Autumn".

Her breakout role came when she starred in the David Petrarca's hit production, "Dinah Was", the story of the legendary Dinah Washington, a great songstress from the 1950's era. Chandra was picked directly by David Petrarca because of her awesome ability to embody the role of Dinah Washington. This role was a perfect fit for her from the music, the character of Dinah Washington, and the artistic expression that was allowed.

There is, unforgettably, Chandra as Katisha, in "Hot Mikado", Where she plays the imposing older woman enamored of Nanki-Poo, who survives a bout of insults to almost steal the show with her thundering, bluesy, gospel numbers and torch song. She received rave reviews for her most impressive presence and strongest voice in a cast loaded with great singers.

Chandra has worked with some of the most influential directors in theatre, including Kenny Leon, Debbie Allen, Tyler Perry, Tom W. Jones II, David H. Bell and David Petraca. Wendell Brock of the Atlanta Journal/Constitution notes, "Chandra Currelley has a magnificent voice and good comedic chops".

It's no surprise that Tyler Perry recognized her talent and cast Chandra in the plays, "I Know I've Been Changed" and "Madea's Class Reunion". variety magazine cited Chandra's performance as "Roof Rising", as Miss Emma. Chandra plays herself in Tyler Perry's number one hit movie "Diary of A Mad Black Woman", a perfect combination of scene and song. with her eyes firmly set on the next horizon which is her solo cd, the certainy in her life is to continue making the beautiful music she calls urspijaz! (urban, spirit,jazz)