Brenda Earle Stokes is a Sarnia-born jazz pianist, singer and songwriter. A longtime resident of New York City, Brenda has played with a “who’s who” of artists including trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, Broadway luminary Maurice Hines and the award winning Diva Jazz Orchestra.
A compelling performer, Stokes weaves together her virtuosic piano skills with expressive lyrics and her signature sense of humor. You don’t have to be a jazz fan to enjoy her music! Her music is engaging and satisfying for all.
Stokes grew up in Sarnia, Ontario and started piano lessons at age 4. Never an enthusiastic practicer, Stokes was exposed to the music of Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson and something “clicked”. Her father started driving her to London, Ontario on weekends to take jazz piano lessons with London’s own Grant Graham and she ended up attending York University on the Oscar Peterson scholarship.
Her career has taken her around the globe, touring with legendary artists (she once opened for Duran Duran!) and as a bandleader with her own groups. She has performed across the US and Canada and as far away as Australia and New Zealand. She was a top ranged cruise ship performer and has worked as an off-Broadway music director and choral conductor. In addition to her work as a recording artist and performer, she maintains an active career as an educator with her highly popular private studio and a YouTube channel with nearly 50,000 subscribers.
Personnel:
Brenda Earle Stokes – vocals/piano
Mike Downes – bass
Mark Kelso– drums
Rebecca Hennessy – trumpet
Check out: “Performance Reel” “Motherhood” “The Letters on the Pages-Live at Smalls” “Demo 2026”