Danielia Cotton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Danielia Cotton
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Cotton in 2010
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Danielia Brooks |
| Born | September 24, 1967 |
| Origin | Hopewell, New Jersey |
| Genres | Rock, blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar piano |
| Years active | 2001–present |
Danielia Cotton (born Danielia Brooks on September 24, 1967) is an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She is known for her powerful voice and unique blend of rock and blues music.
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Danielia Cotton grew up in a small town in New Jersey called Hopewell, New Jersey. She was one of four children raised by her single mother. Her mother was a jazz singer who worked in accounting to support the family.
When Danielia was 12 years old, her mother gave her an acoustic guitar. This was the start of her musical journey. She also began singing with her mom and aunts in a gospel group called the Brooks Ensemble Plus.
Danielia went to Hopewell Valley Central High School. She was one of only a few Black students there. She didn't listen to much R&B or hip-hop music growing up. Instead, she developed a strong love for rock music. She also learned to appreciate jazz and gospel music from her family.
Danielia was a top student in high school. She was the first person to graduate from the New Jersey School of Performing Arts. Her amazing singing skills earned her a full scholarship to Bennington College. At college, Danielia studied acting. She spent her senior year at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. She also took music classes, learning from jazz trumpeter Bill Dixon. He helped her train her ear for music.
Music Career Highlights
In 2005, Danielia Cotton released her first album, Small White Town. The title was inspired by her hometown, Hopewell. Her second album, Rare Child, came out in 2008. It was very popular, ranking in the top ten most downloaded albums on iTunes during its first week.
On July 7, 2009, she released a live album called Live Child. This album won an award for 'Best Live Album' at the 9th Annual Independent Music Awards. It also won the 'Live Performance Album Vox Pop' award for her song "Righteous People."
Danielia continued to release new music. She put out The Gun in Your Hand in 2012, followed by The Real Book in 2014. In 2017, she released The Mystery of Me. This album mixed rock and soul music. It included powerful songs like "Set Me Free" and "Drink." It also featured the upbeat song "4 Ur Life," which was inspired by classic Motown and Sly and the Family Stone. Many news outlets, including The New York Times, wrote about this album. Her most recent album, Good Day, was released in 2022.
Band Members
Danielia Cotton performs with a talented group of musicians.
- Danielia Cotton – She sings lead vocals, plays electric and acoustic rhythm guitars, and writes the songs.
- Marc Copely – He plays lead guitar and sings backing vocals.
- Winston Roye – He plays the bass guitar.
- John Clancy – He plays the drums.
Discography
Danielia Cotton has released several albums and extended plays throughout her career.
Studio Albums
- Small White Town (2005)
- Rare Child (2008)
- The Gun in Your Hand (2012)
- The Real Book (2014)
- The Mystery of Me (2017)
- Good Day (2022)
Extended Plays (EPs)
- Danielia Cotton (2004)
- Live Child (2009)
- Woodstock (2014)
- A Prayer (2016)
- A Different War (Danielia Cotton & The Church Boys) (2020)
Singles
- "Testify" (2008)
- "Forgive Me" (2017)
