One of the best parts of being in a band is the deep friendships you can develop with your bandmates. Bands come and go, but some friendships can last a lifetime. This is my good friend Yaya. She's been singing in my band now for 2 1/2 years. In that time, we've spent a LOT of time driving back and forth to gigs together, so I've gotten to know her very well. This is one of the hardest-working women I know. In her day job, she puts hundreds of miles on her car every week, driving all around the state, helping disabled people and their caregivers get financial assistance. When she's not doing that, she's busy running her own Dreamchasers Radio Show, where she interviews people from all walks of life who are chasing their dreams. And recently, she's been asked to do a TV show for Roku. The band plays pretty much every Friday & Saturday night, and we do a lot of late night gigs in St. Pete, which is about an hour and 40 minutes from Yaya's house. After she drops me off, it's not uncommon for her to get home between 3-4am. And then, on Sunday she'll turn around and do another solo gig for extra $. And then she'll drive a 3-hour round trip to make rehearsals every Tuesday if needed. And yet, with all of this, she never complains. She's always smiling & laughing and a pleasure to be around. With every performance, she always gives 110%, regardless if we're playing for 50 people or 5000. She treats everyone with respect and kindness, from the late-night drunks in downtown St. Pete, to the guy working the counter at 7-Eleven at 2am. She's never been the source of drama in our band - ever. She's always hopeful, enthusiastic, and encouraging, and committed 100%. She's even thanked me on several occasions for asking her to be a part of the band. No, Yaya - Thank YOU.”

Reverend Barry Founder/Band leader of Reverend Barry & The Funk

I can't change others, I can only change myself. I can't decide for you, I can only try to help. I can't become someone I am not, not even for a moment, to please you temporarily. But you can surely count on me to be free to be me.”

— Yaya Diamond

Yaya Diamond

The daughter of international recording artist Evelyn Thomas, the niece of Opera singer Robert McFerrin and the cousin of Grammy award winner Bobby McFerrin. At that point you would be thoroughly definable and pretty hard to ignore, and that is exactly what the spectacular singer, Yaya Diamond is able to showcase – fiery talented paired with an unquestionable musical legacy. ~ http://www.tunedloud.com/2016/05/31/yaya-diamond-a-talent-and-a-musical-legacy-all-of-her-own/ Yaya Diamond is also on the cover of London Englands TunedLoud Magazine July 2016 July issue.

 

Press Photos

Yaya Diamond opens for The Former ladies of "The Supremes".

Rev. Barry and Funktastic Soul Featuring the Hellacious Horns at Janus Live St. Pete performs to a sold out crowd.

Yaya Diamond is also a performer with the Motown band featuring the former lead singer of "The Temptations" Glenn Leonard presents Hitsville Live.

Inquiries