Tracy Neal - Jazz and Gospel Vocalist
New Jersey based Jazz and Gospel Soloist Tracy Neal’s love affair with music began at a very early age while sitting on the front porch of her childhood home in Welsh, LA at age 9. She sat listening to the impact that Contemporary Gospel Artist, Sandi Patty was making on a live recording. She loved the music, the sounds, the interaction between the performer and the audience, and the uplifting lyrics. She realized that she wanted to move people and uplift the hearts and minds of people through her music.
Directly out of high school Tracy was given a Music Scholarship to attend McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La where she completed her first two years of college. Unfortunately she was not able to continue due to complications with the pregnancy of her son. Though she continued singing at her church and various local events she always vowed to return and continue her education.
Tracy was blessed to be able to return to school in 2004. She enrolled in the Music Program at Raritan Valley Community College in Somerville, NJ where she rapidly became known within the school community as an “extraordinary talent”. Tracy became the “school singer” at various functions including Commencement Ceremonies, Awards Ceremonies, Relay for Life Events, Various Concerts, and many other events put on by the school. Tracy’s ability to musically impact her audiences soon became known to other Colleges within New Jersey such as Ocean County College and Morris County College as well as several others, where she was asked to solo at their events. In addition, Tracy was hired as an annually returning soloist for the Phi Theta Kappa Day in Trenton, NJ put on by the New Jersey Coalition for Community Colleges. She also became part of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society where she was honored with the privilege to perform at the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention before an audience of over 5000 attendees.
After being featured as a Jazz Soloist with the Raritan Valley Jazz Ensemble, she has been asked to sing back up on several albums such as God’s Grace, “From Pain to Prosperity” and Billy Band, “I Just Can’t Believe” in addition to other unsigned artist’s projects.
While Tracy is currently a Music Student at William Paterson University she continues to sing at various venues across the state of New Jersey. She is also busy raising her teenage son as well as serving at her church, New Destiny Family Worship Center in North Brunswick, in the Music Ministry as well as various other ministries at New Destiny.
Through a lifetime of singing and performing Tracy has developed her own style and flavor which has been influenced by many genres and types of music. Her goal is to make a difference through her music. When asked of her ambitions her response was, "I don't need to be a star. I just want to affect lives in a positive manner and encourage those who hear me. I want to inspire positive change into the lives that cross my path." As a result, a high percentage of her business is from repeat customers and referrals but, she always welcomes new friends!
