biography

Motown native Dayna Davis grew up surrounded by music, shaped by a family where artistry was simply a way of life. A true triple-threat, she is classically trained in piano and alto saxophone and spent years refining her natural vocal gift. Her formative training includes renowned programs such as Interlochen, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Berklee College of Music, ASCAP, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). One of her earliest standout moments came in college, when she performed “At Last” for a scholarship pageant — a performance that would later echo back as a defining spark in her musical journey.

For Dayna, that moment of clarity arrived in 2008: singing wasn’t just a passion she carried since childhood — it was a calling she was ready to share with the world.

Equally at home in jazz, pop, and R&B, Dayna draws inspiration from powerhouse vocalists including Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, and Jill Scott. Her roots in gospel — shaped by her church upbringing, collegiate gospel chorale, and time in a gospel recording group — naturally infuse her voice with soulful warmth. Although she chose a diverse academic path outside of a formal music degree, she amassed years of training in classical piano, alto saxophone, trumpet, voice, and music theory.

In 2011, Dayna officially stepped into her solo artistry with the release of her debut single, a commanding rendition of Etta James’ “At Last,” and launched both DRD International Records and DRD International Publishing. Her original 2015 single, “I’m Gonna Get It,” delivered an upbeat, motivational pop energy, followed by her neo-soul interpretation of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Over the years, she has continued to expand her catalog with dynamic and expressive work, including:

• “Let It Begin With Me” (2020): a smooth, sultry mash-up of Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas” and Vince Guaraldi’s “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

• “Ain’t No Love Like This” (2021): a velvety original with a smooth, sultry vibe.

• “Christmas Time Is Here” (2021): a neo-soul and jazz fusion reinterpretation of the beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas classic.

• “Together Forever” (2023): a pop/adult contemporary love song highlighting her romantic storytelling.

• “Holding Back the Years” (2024): a soulful, modern remake of the Simply Red hit featuring smooth jazz trumpeter Lin Rountree.

Today, Dayna continues to evolve as both an artist and creator. She is passionate about writing and producing original music for herself and other artists across genres. Her timeless sound, grounded presence, and wide-ranging influences make her an artist who transcends category and connects with audiences of all backgrounds.

Beyond the stage, Dayna brings her honorary doctorate in strategic leadership and extensive professional experience to her work as a consultant for creatives and entertainment businesses. With her combined musicality, intellect, and entrepreneurial drive, she embodies the vision and versatility of a rising music mogul.