AnjelicSongbyrd
Danyell
From duo to trio, Danyell has tried all but one, being solo. This Southern Belle, ready to take on something new and something different, got out on her own to make it. She has graced many that listened with her voice and she has a gift for piercing ones heart.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the winter of 1985, Danyell Tranise Finkley started performing at the age of 2 for her stuffed animals. It wasn't until she moved to Atlanta in 1994, that she had begun making a name for herself around her town and school. From talent shows to ceremonies, Danyell blew them away every time. She and friend Dejuana Newberry saw each other's passion for what they loved and started singing together. Winning talent shows, singing at weddings, and at church (Friendship Baptist), this duo was a hit with family and friends. Not yet discovered in the big music world, both girls ventured out alone. In 1999 Danyell found an already made duo, Kia Eaton and Constance Adams and joined the group calling themselves Daughters of Vision or D.O.V. (pronounced Dove). From R&B to Gospel, Danyell had much practice and know how with pleasing the crowd. The group traveled from Alabama, Augusta, North Carolina, and many more putting a name out there for themselves. In late 2004, Danyell branched off on her own, but this time to grace not only her surroundings, but the world with her gift. She often says, This is only the beginning; and for Danyell, the beginning has just begun.
Danyell has done many demo projects, a Pizza Hut commercial for Atlanta's then gospel station 97.5FM (BoogieBlessed), and has featured on albums such as Canton Jones and World Changers Church International’s CrunkFest Album and Christmas Albums. She has also been honored to sing the National Anthem for the City of College Park, Georgia and their Cheerleading Competition/Showcase every year for over a decade and has worked with Debra Killings as a background vocalist as well. Danyell thrives that the sky is the limit and isn’t afraid to step out. She has graced many that listened with her angelic and sultry voice and she has a gift for piercing one’s heart. This rising star is the true definition of how never giving up only makes you push harder. Her most memorable moments are auditioning for Dreamgirls (2005), The Voice three times (Season 2, 2011; Season 3, 2012; Season 14, 2018), and having the pleasure of blowing listening ears away in the auditions for Monica’s background singer (2014). Danyell was given confirmation with her voice every time that it was a force to be reckoned with and even asked why she wanted to sing background, but no call backs. Being asked why she wanted to sing background confirmed that her calling was much bigger than background work, she never gave up and only pushed harder towards what is not only her childhood dream, but her passion.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
2018-- The Voice Season 14 Audition
Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Indianapolis, IN
--East Central Illinois Community Action Agency
53rd Annual Dinner
Turtle Run Golf Club and Banquet Center
Danville, IL
--Headlined 2nd Annual Women’s Conference
The Assembly of Danville
Danville, IL
2017--East Central Illinois Community Action Agency
52nd Annual Dinner
Turtle Run Golf Club and Banquet Center
Danville, IL
--Headlined 1st Annual Women’s Conference
The Assembly of Danville
Danville, IL
2014-- Background Auditions for Monica
Atlanta, GA
2012 -- National Anthem
(2004-2014) College Park Recreation
Cheerleading Competition
College Park, GA
--The Voice Season 3 Audition
Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart
Atlanta, GA
2011--Pretty Girl Rock Edition/ One Night One Show
Opened up for Rap Artist Trina
Secrets Lounge
Eastside Atlanta, GA
--The Voice Season 2 Audition
Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart
Atlanta, GA
2010-2012 --Demo Work and Features for Various Artists and Record Companies
2007 -- New Beginnings Ministries International
1st year Church Anniversary
Danville, IL
2006--Rhythm & Boom Mixtape Series
DJ Siza of the World Famous Super Friends
--Apache’ Café
Producer’s Swap Meet
Atlanta, GA
--Demoline’s Best of the Best Concert Star Search ‘06
Atrium Night Club
Stone Mountain, GA
--Upscales Club Bar & Grill
Riverdale, GA
--Talent Search
Crow’s Nest
College Park, GA
2005--Atlanta In Concert
Cinefe’ 8
Lithonia, GA
--DreamWorks/Warner Bros. presents DreamGirls
Audition for Effie White
Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta, GA
2003-- Christmas Album
Arrow Records/Pastor Creflo & Taffi Dollar and Canton Jones
World Changers Church InternationalAtlanta, GA
--Pizza Hut Commercial
Boogie Blessed from 107.9
Atlanta, GA
--Background Singer for GospelArtist Debra Killings
Verity Records
Rochester, NY
--Gospel Album CrunkFest
Arrow Records/Pastor Creflo & Taffi Dollar and Canton Jones
World Changers Church International
Atlanta, GA
--Opening for the Harlem Globetrotters Game
Singing National Anthem
Philips Arena
Atlanta, GA
--Youth Convention: The Movement
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
Bishop Eddie L. Long
Atlanta, GA
--Banneker High School Baccaluareate and Graduation Ceremonies
Georgia International Convention Center
Atlanta, GA
2002-- Christmas Album
Arrow Records/Pastor Creflo & Taffi Dollar and Canton Jones
World Changers Church International
Atlanta, GA
--Family Convention
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
Bishop Eddie L. Long
Atlanta, GA
--Face2Face Youth Conference
World Changers Church International
Pastor Creflo A. Dollar
Atlanta, GA
2001--Face2Face Youth Conference
World Changers Church International
Pastor Creflo A. Dollar
Atlanta, GA
1999--Hot 97.5 Basketball Game (DJ’s vs. Teachers)
Riverdale Middle School
Riverdale, GA
1996-2001--National Anthem
College Park Recreation
Cheerleading Competition
College Park, GA
Awards
2003 Coca-Cola recipient for the Fine Arts Award
2005 Music Award (City of College Park Recreation)
2012-2014 Music Award (City of College Park Recreation)
Worked With:
Kristopher Bell (Sizzo Music)
StreetTalk (P. Brown and BagBoi Entertainment)
Canton Jones (Gospel Artist) of Cajo International
Debra Killings (Guitarist and Artist) Verity Records
Kary Peterson of Platinum House Entertainment, INC.
Arrow Records (World Changers Church International)
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I help lead praise and worship at The Assembly of Danville. I have been currently doing local events for annual events, dinners, galas, church events, funerals, weddings, etc.
I am currently working on my EP album as well.
Your musical influences
My first love had to be Whitney, Mariah, Toni Braxton, and Janet. Then I added Beyonce' when she got out on her own. I loved her in the group, but when they took a break and Beyonce' went solo, she grew so much and I admired her even more.
Anything else?
I am back and I am better than ever! Working hard and doing what I love the most. Independently.