Conya Doss

Conya Doss, the neo-soul vocalist long cherished by a loyal though modest audience, earned that support through persistent independent releases and relentless road work. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she draws from the styles of Stevie Wonder, Angela Winbush, Donny Hathaway, and Minnie Riperton. Her vocal journey began at age five, and she later studied at the Cleveland School of the Performing Arts. Early in her career she partnered with childhood friend Stacy Richardson to create the duo Lyrik. After the pair disbanded, Richardson joined Spencer Taylor & the Highway QC's and later worked with Anthony Hamilton, while Doss launched her own solo path. Her first independently issued full-length project, A Poem About Ms. Doss, appeared in 2002. Subsequent self-released albums followed in steady succession: Just Because in 2004, Love Rain Down in 2006, Still in 2008, and Blü Transition in 2010. Without major-label backing, she expanded her reach primarily through live shows and the personal recommendations that grew from them.