Liv Warfield facts for kids

Liv Warfield is a talented American singer and songwriter. She sings R&B and soul music. Liv comes from Peoria, Illinois. She became famous for singing with Prince's band, the New Power Generation. Since 2016, she has also been part of a band called Roadcase Royale. She formed this band with Nancy Wilson from the famous group Heart.

Liv Warfield's Early Life and Music Journey

Liv Warfield grew up in Peoria, Illinois. Her father was a church leader, so she mostly listened to gospel music. She secretly loved singing songs by Whitney Houston when her parents were not around. Liv finished high school in Peoria in 1997.

After high school, Liv moved to Portland, Oregon. She went to Portland State University on a scholarship for track and field. Her journey into singing for an audience started at a karaoke club. She was very shy at first and sang with her back to the crowd. But she soon loved performing and started wearing fun wigs and costumes.

One night, she saw a singer named Linda Hornbuckle perform. Linda invited Liv to sing on stage. Liv was nervous again and sang facing away from the audience. When Liv decided to become a professional singer, she left college. She even slept in her car for a while. Her mother was upset at first but later became very supportive of Liv's dream. In 2006, Liv released her first album, Embrace Me. It was a collection of powerful songs. She sold her CDs and performed at local markets.

Singing with Prince

Liv Warfield's music career really took off in 2009. She sent a video of herself singing "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones to Prince. He liked it and asked her to audition. She was chosen to join his band, the New Power Generation.

Prince became her mentor. He helped her improve her stage presence and how she arranged her music. Liv toured with his band for five years. She also appeared on Prince's album, Lotusflow3r.

In early 2014, Liv released her second solo album, The Unexpected. Prince was the executive producer for this album. The New Power Generation band members played the horns on it. Prince even wrote the title song for her album. After Prince passed away, Liv performed at Celebration 2017. This event was a tribute to his life and music. It was held at Paisley Park, Prince's home and studio.

Forming Roadcase Royale

In 2015, Liv Warfield opened for the band Heart at a concert in Hollywood. Nancy Wilson, a member of Heart, had seen Liv perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Nancy was very impressed by Liv's song "Why Do You Lie?". Liv was a big fan of Heart, so she was excited to meet Nancy. After the show, they talked and found they enjoyed making music together.

Liv and Nancy decided to form a new band called Roadcase Royale in 2016. Their music mixes rock, R&B, and ballads. It combines the styles of both their original bands. Other members of Roadcase Royale include guitarist Ryan Waters, keyboardist Chris Joyner, bassist Dan Rothchild, and drummer Ben Smith.

The band released their first song, "Get Loud," in January 2017. They signed with Loud and Proud Records in July 2017. Their first full album, First Things First, came out on September 22, 2017. Roadcase Royale was scheduled to open for Bob Seger on his 2017 tour. However, the tour was postponed due to Bob Seger's health. Roadcase Royale was still set to open for him on some of the rescheduled dates.

Liv Warfield on America's Got Talent

In 2024, Liv Warfield auditioned for season 19 of America's Got Talent. She received the Golden Buzzer from judge Simon Cowell. This means she was sent straight through to the live shows.

Awards and Special Recognition

In early 2014, VH1 Soul featured Liv Warfield as a "Soul You Oughta Know" artist. This meant she was recognized as an important new artist in soul music.

Liv was nominated for a Soul Train Music Award in 2014 for Best New Artist. She also won an award for her song "Stay – 'Soul Lifted'" from The Unexpected. This award was for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance.

Also in 2014, her hometown of Peoria honored her. The mayor, Jim Ardis, declared May 10 as "Liv Warfield Day."

Discography

• Embrace Me (2006)

• The Unexpected (2014)