Marion Powers is an award-winning jazz vocalist with performance experience from coast to coast. Her influences range from the classic Billie Holliday to the modern Kate McGarry and her performances showcase her wide range of abilities — including her dynamic improvisation skills, her fresh and modern arranging style, and her sensitive approach to songwriting. She has performed and been mentored by jazz greats such as Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Marshall Gilkes, Johnaye Kendrick, Benny Green, and more.
Currently located in Denton, TX, Marion just received a master;s in jazz voice at UNT under renowned vocalists and educators Rosana Eckert and Jennifer Barnes. During her time at UNT she has been a full-time teaching fellow in the vocal jazz department, assistant director of the UNT Jazz Singers, lead vocalist for the Grammy-nominated UNT One O'Clock Lab Band, and director of the vocal jazz ensemble Avenue C. Her voice can he heard on recordings with UNT Jazz Singers including their Downbeat award-winning recording, “Groovin’ Hard,” for which she was recognized as an outstanding soloist. In 2018, Marion was selected as the vocalist for The Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy Big Band under the direction of Christian McBride. Most recently, she was selected as a member of the Jazz Education Network’s Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Quintet and was mentored by educator and pianist, Ellen Rowe, and world renowned baritone saxophonist Claire Daley.
Marion leads her own combo and performs regularly around the DFW area. She is passionate about teaching and maintains a private voice and piano studio. She has also served on the faculty of the UNT Vocal Jazz camp. In addition, Marion is in demand as a live and studio vocalist, performing and recording various projects with musicians in the area.