Today we’d like to introduce you to Avalon Cutts-Jones.
Hi Avalon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised right here in Grand Rapids Michigan. I am a product of Grand Rapids Public school, as a Central High alum.’Go Rams’. I come from a very musical family where everyone sings, plays, or preaches. Faith and music have always been major parts of my story. Watching my family rehearse and perform up close and personal is what planted the seed for my love of music. My passion only grew as I found my own voice and giftings.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about my story has been smooth to say the least. Vocally, I didn’t exactly fit into the norms of my surroundings. My sound & ear was ‘ different’. It took me a long time to see that as a good thing versus a negative. After stepping into my own and building my confidence, I was physically assaulted. This left me with permanent nerve damage, which has caused me to not have full control over a section of my face to this day. After several weeks of no activity, I was told I wouldn’t be able to sing again and would have a severe speech impediment. I had already struggled with anxiety and depression, so this incident definitely heightened things. I didn’t do well with crowds or being the center of attention. As I mentioned before, faith and music are both huge parts of my story. This was the first time my faith had to be put in action in a very real way. I believed I would be healed, however it was and has been a process. My faith is what continues to carry me through.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I chose to lean into what I believed over what the doctors said. I remember thinking and writing ( because I couldn’t speak at the moment) not only will I sing again, but I am going to get a degree in music. That was the driving factor to go back to school. I was determined to prove the doctor wrong. I guess my stubbornness can pay off every now and then lol. I went on to GRCC and later GVSU earning my Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. Going to school is also what exposed me to the classical and opera world. I had no idea that I had a place there. Over the years, I have been blessed to sing in many different genres. From R&B, gospel, pop, jazz, Neo soul, and opera. I’ve had the pleasure of being the soloist for GVSU’s graduation, which allowed me to perform at Van Andel Arena. I’ve opened for r&b greats like Boyz II Men and Smokey Robinson at Frederick Meijer Garden’s amphitheater. I have traveled the country as a background singer for Grand Rapids own Marvin Sapp. My proudest moment so far was being the guest vocalist at the DeVos Performance Hall with the Grand Rapids Symphony for their Boston Pops series. Had I believed the doctors report, none of this would have happened. So I think what sets me apart is my faith and versatility. I don’t always have to be front and center. I am just as content and effective in the background. I don’t have a favorite style of music to perform, I just love performing. I love music. It’s definitely not easy, especially here in Grand Rapids which is not a music city, but I’m very grateful I get to do what I Iove.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I always make sure I continue to be a student. Social media has been great for that. I follow a lot of artists and vocalist who are in spaces I want to be in. From those in the vocal health, professional background singers, producers and writers, musical theater performers… I could go on and on. In addition to music, I am a single mother juggling being an entrepreneur while learning to manage grief. Social media has its quirks, but I’ve managed to find encouragement and resources to help in each of these areas. No one is an island. This season has definitely reminded me of this. Research, read, ask, listen… we are not in this alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avcjmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avcjmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avcjmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@avcjmusic
