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Queen of Soul: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin featuring Black Diamond – March 2019
Premiering in March of 2019, the Queen of Soul Tribute was a stirring, spirit-filled celebration of the incomparable legacy of Aretha Franklin—delivered through the rich, emotive voice of sultry Charleston, South Carolina native, Christian Denise, whose presence and power moved audiences from the very first note.
Equipped with a voice that is both angelic and deeply soulful, Christian brought emotional intensity, reverence, and authenticity to the stage—honoring Aretha not by imitation, but by channeling the truth, conviction, and freedom that defined her music.
A Charleston native with soul in her bones and power in her voice, her musical journey began at just two years old. Recognized early for her exceptional gift, she trained at the Charleston County School of the Arts from sixth through twelfth grade, sharpening her voice through elite technical study and performance.
A graduate of Winthrop University, she launched her professional career forming The Pearls and Funk Band, performing throughout the Charlotte market before returning home to Charleston as lead vocalist for The New Image Band. Her commanding presence and vocal authority quickly made her a standout on any stage.
In 2013, she claimed center stage as a solo artist, forming Black Diamond and Company—an eclectic funk and soul powerhouse. Her breakout productions, Shine Bright Like a Diamond Parts I & II, cemented her reputation as a dynamic, crowd-moving performer with the depth, range, and star power to honor the greatest voices in soul music history.
Her talent has since opened doors to share stages with major recording artists including The Average White Band, Tank, Tim Bowman, K. Michelle, and PJ Morton.
The Queen of Soul Tribute was more than a concert—it was a revival. A heartfelt homage that honored Aretha Franklin’s legacy while affirming that her spirit lives on through artists who sing not just with skill, but with soul.
About The ZD Experience
The ZD Experience is a dynamic boutique concert and event production company powered by the combined gifts of vocalist/media host/producer Zandrina Dunning and composer/arranger/pianist Stephen Washington.
Specializing in creating unforgettable experiences, we handle everything from intimate shows to large-scale tribute events.
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Becoming a partner of The ZD Experience means aligning your brand with a platform that inspires, engages, and uplifts audiences around the globe. Together, we can create powerful connections and unforgettable experiences.
