Meet Eboni Fondren of Kansas City – Midtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eboni Fondren.

Hi Eboni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always said music found me before I even knew what I was looking for. Growing up, I was surrounded by gospel, soul music, Motown, and jazz. My family encouraged my talent and creativity, and I wanted to be like the women I idolized. I wanted to be a famous singer…or a psychologist. Music was always my outlet, though. I would sit and play my favorite records over and over, singing along in my own private (and sometimes public) mini-concerts.

The day I found jazz was the day I found my purpose. I heard voices that sounded like mine — deep, soulful, emotional, unapologetic — and finally felt at home as a singer. Soon after, I knew I would sing this music for the rest of my life. I dove in head first and immersed myself in all things jazz. After college, I found a mentor who helped me realize my potential, and I am forever thankful for him. Since then, I’ve had the chance to live out this passion in ways I only dreamed of. I released my debut album, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love, as a tribute to the city and the legends who raised me. That music opened doors — one of the proudest being when I was selected to represent the U.S. at the G20 Summit in India as a jazz ambassador.

This summer, I’ll debut my latest project—An American in Paris, recorded with the Laurent Marode Orchestra—live in Paris. I’ll also bring my one-woman show, Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me, to the KC Fringe Festival, honoring the women who laid the foundation for artists like me.

It’s never been about being the best — it’s about being fulfilled, growing into my destiny, and staying rooted in joy, curiosity, and truth. I stand proudly on the shoulders of those who came before me and try to honor them in everything I do.

Along the way, I’ve been grateful to be recognized by outlets like The Pitch Magazine and the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, but the real reward is getting to tell stories through song. There’s nothing more powerful than standing in your truth — in full glam — and letting your voice do the rest.

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?
Honestly? The hardest part has been juggling it all on my own. I’m the booking manager, the marketing team, the stylist, the talent — and that’s just Monday. Doing this independently is empowering, but it’s also exhausting. Finding solid management or reliable help isn’t easy these days. Not because people don’t care, but because everyone’s out here hustling for their own dreams.

The whole idea of being “signed” and handed a full team? That’s not the norm anymore. Unless you’re backed by a major label with real money and time to invest, you’ve got to figure it out yourself.

Thankfully, I’ve got a business background and a whole lot of grit. I’ve worn so many hats over the years, it just feels like part of the gig now. It’s definitely a challenge — mostly a game of time management and remembering to sleep, eat, and occasionally breathe. But I get it done.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the heart of it all, I’m a jazz vocalist and storyteller. I specialize in taking classic jazz and making it feel fresh, intimate, and personal. I like to throw in a little R&B remix here and a little groovy sass there. I perform everything from big band swing to stripped-down ballads, but no matter the setting, I lead with emotion, connection, and intention.

I’m also an actress, a voiceover artist, an event planner, and a stylist. I’ve also been known to build a tradeshow booth or two, and someone who knows her way around a good production plan. I’ve built my career independently — booking my own gigs, styling my own looks, and building a brand that reflects both who I am and the legacy I come from.

I think I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve stayed true to my voice, both literally and figuratively. I don’t compete or compare myself to others. I celebrate our differences. This mentality has afforded me all the incredible opportunities I have received. Nothing is more humbling than standing on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India, and understanding the importance of being thankful for what you do have. These are all huge moments — and every one of them came from betting on myself.

What sets me apart? I bring all of me to the stage. It’s jazz with a bit of sparkle, a little fire, and a lot of honesty. I don’t just sing songs — I tell stories. And I do it with glam, grit, and gratitude.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I would say that my life experiences have really been the resource for me. Losing close friends and family really puts things into perspective on how precious this one life is.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ebonifondrenmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/jzzylady/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ebonifondrenmusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jzzylady
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4dPLsYoHJp3e7kKTg1qDV6?si=HlKVOcFTT_GacDu0Oddy6Q