Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Saunders.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been singing for as long as I can remember. In fact, my parents still have a recording of me singing an entire song when I was just two years old. Music runs deep in my family – both of my parents sing and play piano, and all of my siblings are musical as well.
I also have a direct connection to Kansas City’s rich jazz legacy through my uncles, Ellis and Albert “Delightful Dee” Bartee, who were respected jazz drummers and performed with artists such as Jay McShann, Illinois Jacquet, and Lionel Hampton.
Growing up, music was always playing in our home. My influences span a wide range of styles, from gospel legends like Walter Hawkins and Darryl Coley, to jazz greats like Sarah Vaughan and John Coltrane, to classical composers Mozart and Tchaikovsky. I also grew up listening to the smooth sounds of The Carpenters, Michael Franks, and The Manhattan Transfer, along with the soulful R&B of Earth, Wind & Fire, Anita Baker, and Quincy Jones. All of these artists helped shape the musician I would eventually become.
Although I went to school intending to become a pediatrician, deep down I always knew that music – and singing – was my true calling.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most of my early public performances were in gospel music. But over time, I realized my voice had the ability to do things – little runs, trills, and expressive phrasing – that didn’t always fit within the traditions of church music, where too much vocal embellishment can sometimes be seen as distracting.
That realization led me to explore jazz, a space where I could stretch out musically and let my voice move more freely. While people knew me as a gospel singer, they hadn’t really heard me sing jazz or soul, and I wasn’t quite sure how to bridge that gap.
Thankfully, I had friends who were already well established on the jazz and soul scene. They invited me to join them on their shows, giving me opportunities to perform, grow, and begin carving out my own place in that musical community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a jazz, R&B, and soul vocalist, as well as a songwriter and vocal arranger. My specialty is delivering soul-stirring music with deep, rich, and resonant tones. At the same time, my diverse musical background allows me to move comfortably across many styles, so I’m never limited to just one genre.
One of my proudest accomplishments is beginning my journey in gospel music and eventually building a respected presence in the jazz and R&B world. It means a great deal to know that my voice is appreciated and respected among the many incredible musicians in the Kansas City music community. Over the years, my voice has been compared to artists such as Lalah Hathaway, Anita Baker, and Kansas City’s own Oleta Adams – an honor I hold in the highest regard.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to represent Kansas City internationally. Most recently, in 2025, I traveled to Valparaíso, Chile to perform in their 10th Annual Jazz Festival.
Another highlight of my career is being a member of Kansas City’s original funk and soul band, The Freedom Affair. Together we have released two albums, completed multiple tours, and had our music featured in television shows, Netflix films, and national commercials.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Follow me on my website, paulasaundersmusic.com, Facebook, and IG to see where I’m performing next, or send me a DM to plan a collab. I love working with other musicians, so please reach out if you’d like to work together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.paulasaundersmusic.com
- Instagram: @shecansing1908
- Facebook: Paula Saunders Music
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