Iaphet Elli 
Brave Little Songbird
Hey y’all! I’ve been feeling incredibly brave lately!
After two years of doubting whether I was ready to enter a competition of this magnitude, I finally took a leap of FAITH! I’m learning that sometimes being “ready” simply means giving it a try. So, I submitted two cover songs (Sweet Hour of Prayer and Summertime) and one original piece (GO) to the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition!
It was a bold choice to submit a hymn as my vocal ballad, but my love for hymns and their meaning makes them feel like love songs to me. So, I thought, why not? Plus, Sarah Vaughan got her start at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Newark, NJ—I’m sure she sang a hymn or two from the brick-red Baptist hymnal!
Please support my act of bravery by listening and casting your vote! Voting is open until the end of the summer. I don’t want to fill all my updates with talk about the contest—there’s bound to be a lot of exciting things happening this summer that I’ll want to share with you. To make it easy, I’ve added a section on the HOME page of my website. As you check in to see where I’ll be and what I’m up to, don’t forget to take a moment to STOP, LISTEN, and VOTE!
Your prayers, well-wishes, and encouragement are the feathers that lift my wings. Thank you for helping me to GO higher!
~Gabbie
Info by Gabbie McGee
Gabbie McGee is a talented singer and songwriter known for her soulful voice and captivating performances. A native of Mississippi, she merges elements of jazz, blues, and gospel into her music, creating a unique sound that resonates deeply with her audiences. Gabbie’s warm stage presence and heartfelt delivery have earned her recognition in various music circles, and she continues to inspire listeners through her artistry and passion for music.
Iaphet Elli