Cassandre McKinley is a magnetic musical artist—singer, composer, producer, and vocal shapeshifter—who effortlessly blurs the lines between soul, jazz, R&B, blues, and country. With a voice that’s both velvet and fire, McKinley transforms every performance into a visceral, emotionally charged experience.
McKinley has carved a distinct path all her own, known for her genre-defying sound and fearless interpretations. She made waves nationally with her 2006 MAXJAZZ release ‘Til Tomorrow – Remembering Marvin Gaye, which JazzTimes hailed as “a rich, sensual salute,” cementing her international presence.
Her career has included standout collaborations with music legends like J. Geils, Bernard Purdie, Dave Mattacks, Herb Pomeroy, Peter Eldridge, and Duke Levine, and she’s received industry awards for both her recorded work and live performances. With five albums under her belt and streaming across global platforms like Spotify, Pandora, and XM, her reach continues to grow. She is currently in the studio working on her next album, a duo project with world-class pianist Tim Ray. A seasoned live performer, McKinley has appeared on renowned stages across the country—and continues to captivate audiences nationwide with her electric blend of vocal power and raw authenticity.
McKinley is also a respected Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music and Berklee Online, where she mentors the next generation of vocalists with the same passion and artistic integrity that defines her own journey.