ABOUT ME
A lifelong vocalist, Effie Burt was born and raised in Oxford, Mississippi as one of twelve musically gifted siblings. Effie has been performing since the age of 13 with her family at churches and local musical events in Mississippi and Tennessee. An international artist, Ms. Burt has graced stages from Beale Street to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Although jazz is her first love, Effie is just as engaging belting R & B, soothing with the Blues and bringing it home with gospel. Her range is illustrated by her wide range of experiences, from a featured vocalist with the Cedar Falls/Waterloo Symphony Orchestra’s to headlining performer at the International Jazz Festival in Jamaica. Effie has also performed at the Annual Jefferson Jackson Democratic Dinner, which aired on C-SPAN as well as at a number of other high profile events for political dignitaries such as Senator Tom Harkin, Governors Tom Vilsack and Chet Culver, Former-President Bill Clinton and President-Elect Barack Obama.
A composer as well, Ms. Burt penned the theme song, “I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa” for the 2000 statewide “Make Me a World in Iowa” festival. In 2003, this song was adopted as a resolution by the 79th General Assembly of the State of Iowa to become the companion to the official state song. Other songs composed by Ms. Burt include “Let the Blues Walk on By” and “Tell Me”, which both appeared on Bob Dorr’s Blues Compilation Album. In 1999, Effie released her first original gospel song “Written Amongst the Tears” to accompany the novel of the same name by author, Beverly Johnson.
This Jazzy Diva regularly appears at various events and showcases throughout the United States. You may catch her at a jam session anywhere between Nashville, D.C. or New York City. Occassionally, she shares the stage with her granddaughter, Nile, who also has a flair for entertaining. If you're in the North Mississippi and Tennessee area, you will likely see her featured with her own band Effie and Friends or with other notable groups such as the Bill Perry Quartet and Damien Walsh's Soultones.
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