Jeannette I. Bayardelle

After listening to Jeannette Bayardelle sing, one wonders if they have just had a sneak peak into the world of angels. Her voice allows us to bridge the divide of the natural world and evokes a praise from within that threatens to drive us to our knees. After hearing just one song from this passionate woman, the only conclusion to draw is that her gift is certainly divine. And, thankfully, she has chosen to share her voice with the world. Her musical talents have taken her around the globe, to more than 25 countries and have opened the window of opportunity for her to perform in some of Broadway's most popular shows.

Born in Bronx, New York, Jeannette began singing in church at a mere 5 years old. She, and her two older sisters (Anastasia and Marie), formed a group called the "Bayardelle Sisters." Jeannette says because she was the baby of the group, she was always blamed for singing off key. It was with her sisters, and singing in the church choir, that Jeannette began to develop her God-given gift.

Jeannette graduated from the acclaimed Fiorelle H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts where she was a vocal major. She continued her education at Hunter College and received a Bachelors of Science in Health Science. It was during her college years that she began to sing professionally. She made her Off-Broadway debut in the Musical, "Another Chance," where she played the lead actress opposite actor Neko Parham. It was during this show that Jeannette realized there was a divine call on her life. She needed to make a decision to either obey the call or choose another direction. During this crossroads, Jeannette was signed to Smith Brothers Entertainment as an R&B artist. Mid-way through the contract, Jeannette made the decision to leave the R&B scene and pursue gospel music. Fortunately, Smith Brothers was very supportive and accepted her as a gospel artist. This experience brought forth the song Can't Run No More, both written and performed by Jeannette. It was released on The Campus Soul Compilation CD.

As her path became clear, opportunity prevailed. Jeannette has starred in the Broadway Production of "The Color Purple" as Celie. She currently originated the role of Celie in the First National tour of "The Color Purple" where she shares the stage with Michelle Williams from Destiny's Child, Latoya London from American Idol, and Tony Nominee Felicia P. Fields. Other credits include: Off-Broadway production "Best of Both Worlds". Jeannette has toured with The Deaf of West Production "Big River," where she shared the stage with Tony and Grammy-nominated Michael McElroy, "RENT," "Sister Act" (Europe), and has entertained as a singer for Royal Caribbean cruise line.

Although Jeannette loves musical theater, her passion is using her voice for the glory of Christ. Jeannette said, "This is my calling. God has blessed me with this gift and I want to use it to serve him and help bring people closer to him." In 2004, Jeannette joined New York producer and guitarist John H. Smith to create a melting-pot of a praise CD that melds a variety of musical textures. The debut CD, "Praise Report," is a combination of gospel music's past, present and future. From soaring, soulful vocals to pretty, melodic soft tones, there is supernatural power in every song.