Born into a family of accomplished jazz musicians, Candace was immersed in rhythm from the very beginning. By the age of four, she was already joining her parents onstage, absorbing the language of live performance in real time. Raised on the sounds of John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan, and Stevie Wonder, her musical foundation was rich, soulful, and deeply expressive. Today, her voice has been described as a modern blend of Mariah Carey and her primary inspiration, Ella Fitzgerald — but with a fresh, blues-infused edge all her own.

Candace spent her early years in the Bay Area, where she honed her craft within a culture steeped in music and mentorship. She memorized and mastered Ella Fitzgerald’s catalog, recording “Fascinating Rhythm” entirely from memory as her first studio piece. “I grew up in a culture and environment of music,” she reflects. “The music is in you, and it moves and grows accordingly.” Her talent quickly distinguished her. At just 11 years old, she earned acceptance into the prestigious Young Musicians Program at the University of California. By 18, she had received numerous honors from organizations including the NAACP and the San Francisco Grammy Choir, signaling the arrival of a formidable young artist.

In 2004, Candace returned to New York City and became a weekly headliner at the legendary Cotton Club in Harlem. Her stage career expanded with leading roles in celebrated productions such as Dreamgirls, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and Hair. She also starred as Carmen Jones in FAME before ultimately returning to her first love — the jazz stage in New York.

Now based in Miami, Candace is devoted to raising her two children while continuing to evolve as a performer and recording artist. In 2025, she was honored as a finalist in the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, a full-circle achievement that reflects both her lifelong dedication to the genre and her place among today’s most compelling jazz vocalists.