Originally from Dallas, TX and now living in New York City, Tahira Clayton is a world renowned vocalist known for her honest vocal delivery and mesmerizing stage presence. A powerful lyricist and storyteller, Tahira has performed nationally and internationally as a band leader and featured vocalist. In 2022, Tahira headlined IMG Artists “Bessie, Billie, Nina: Pioneering Women in Jazz,” a 3 month national tour, alongside the great Charene Wade, Vanisha Gould and music directed by Carmen Staaf. In October 2022, Tahira fronted the Caili O’Doherty Quintet throughout the countries of Georgia and Canada on an American Music Abroad tour as a cultural diplomatic ambassador for the United States. In January 2023, Tahira joined Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: “Songs We Love,” a national tour, music directed by Riley Mulherkar. In 2023, Tahira headlined Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: “Sing and Swing” alongside trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III for a residency in Saudi Arabia. In May 2024, Tahira became an ambassador of the National Jazz Museum of Harlem and leader of one of their three house bands.
In addition to her performing, Tahira currently serves as the vice president and is a founding board member of the Women in Jazz Organization (WIJO), based in NYC. In her work with WIJO, Tahira is program director for WIJO’s mentorship program, WIJO Mentors. In addition to her work with WIJO, Tahira has traveled internationally to present lectures on her research entitled, “The Dangers of Jazz: Sexism in Society “ (published in 2020). A 2015 graduate of the University of North Texas Tahira has performed and participated in master classes with many of the genre’s greats. Tahira’s debut album of all original compositions, “Wait, Till Now” was a fully crowd-sourced project, funded by fans and peers. “Wait, Till Now” is currently available for purchase and streaming.
Tahira has led groups and performed in prestigious venues both nationally and internationally, including Carmel-By- The- Sea (CA), The Ithra Theatre (Saudi Arabia); New York staples: Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Sony Music Hall, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, The 55 Bar, Minton’s Playhouse, The Rainbow Room, Cornelia Street Café, the Cell Theater, Smalls; and many more. In 2021 Tahira opened for Alicia Keys in Antibes, France.
As well as being an in-demand bandleader and performer, Tahira is a sought after side-woman, lending her voice to numerous original music recording projects, performances, and songwriting collaborations. In May 2024, Tahira became a backing vocalist for the artist ZAYN. In 2023, Tahira was a featured vocalist on the Danny Jonokuchi Big Band Album, VOICES. She is a frequent collaborator of the Willerm Delsifort Project, AMP Trio, and more.
Tahira is also a well established creative teaching artist, clinician, and vocal coach. In addition to maintaining her own studio, Tahira directs the Park Slope Center for Successful Aging Chorus in Park Slope Brooklyn and the Jefferson Market Street Chorus in Manhattan. www.tahiraclayton.com