Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe McFadden.
Hi Chloe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Music has always been apart of who I am. I grew up in Kansas City in a family of musicians, so I was surrounded by jazz from the very beginning. I’m a third-generation jazz artist, and my earliest memories are of singing with my family. By the time I was three, I was already singing, and at five years old I began performing professionally through Kansas City Parks & Recreation.
As I got older, I had the privilege of performing alongside my dad and uncle Ronald in some of Kansas City’s legendary jazz clubs. Those experiences taught me not only the music, but the importance of connecting with an audience and honoring the tradition that came before me. Along the way, I competed in talent competitions, sang the national anthem for the Kansas City Royals, appeared on American Idol, and explored other genres through rock music and musical theater. Every experience helped shape me into a more versatile performer.
Eventually I started writing my own music and released my first EP. That was a turning point because it challenged me to find my own artistic voice while staying rooted in the jazz tradition I grew up with.
Today, I perform throughout Kansas City and beyond, with a weekly residency at The Phoenix and performances at venues, weddings, galas, and private events. Looking back, my path has come full circle. I grew up watching the musicians in my family dedicate their lives to this art form, and now I have the opportunity to carry that legacy forward while creating something that’s uniquely my own. At the heart of everything I do is storytelling. I want every performance to make people feel something and leave them with a lasting connection to the music!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. After starting my own family, I stepped away from music for about six years to focus on being a wife and stay-at-home mom. While I don’t regret that decision, returning to music meant starting over in many ways.
Around that time, my dad had opened up Lonnie’s Reno Club, which gave me the opportunity to get back on stage. But the music scene had changed, and many people only knew me as my dads daughter. I was often compared to him, and for a while I even considered dropping my last name because I wanted to build my own identity.
Just a few weeks before my first performance back, we tragically lost Uncle Ronald following his final performance with my dad at Loews Hotel. It’s something I still struggle to understand, but I knew he would have wanted me to keep singing. That performance became more than a comeback– it became a tribute to him, my family, and the legacy that first inspired my love of music.
Looking back, I realized my last name isn’t something I need to separate myself from– its part of who I am and part of my story. I’ve learned that I can honor my family’s legacy while creating my own path, and that journey has made me a stronger artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a vocalist, songwriter, and performer specializing in classic jazz with a modern, soulful touch. Whether I’m performing at a night club, a wedding, a corporate event, or a private gala, my goal is always the same– to create an experience that people can connect with!
What I’m most proud of is carrying on my family’s musical legacy while finding my own voice. I grew up immersed in Kansas City’s rich jazz tradition, but I’ve worked hard to develop a style that’s uniquely mine.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to tell a story through every song. People often comment on the emotion in my performances, and that’s the greatest compliment I can receive. I want every audience to leave feeling like they experienced something genuine, not just listened to a singer.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I was fortunate to have both my dad and my uncle as my biggest mentors. Growing up, I learned so much by watching them– not only how to perform, but how to respect the music, connect with an audience, and carry myself professionally. Those lessons have shaped the artist I am today.
For anyone looking for a mentor, my advice is to build genuine relationships and stay open to learning. Mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal. Sometimes its simply spending time around people you admire, asking questions, listening, and being willing to learn.
As for networking what has worked best for me is being authentic. I believe in supporting others, treating people with kindness and respect, and letting relationships grow naturally. Talent might open a door, but your reputation and the way you treat people are what keep those doors open.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chloemcfadden.com
- Instagram: chloe.mcfadden
