Garnetta’s story begins in Montreal Canada, a bilingual, Indigenous Black Canadian girl, a musical daughter of a sophisticated strong woman; and the youngest of 6 other talented girls. Watching her mother (Miss Marva Ann) use music to survive, thrive, heal, and grow; Garnetta used music for the same purpose. As a child, Garnetta had a hearing impairment making her temporarily deaf; that required surgical treatment to repair. Loving music gave her the lead to survive, the determination to thrive, the peace to heal and a reason to grow.

She diversified her musicality at a young age with a passion for gospel, blues, country, and soul music. Following her sisters in talent contests, Garnetta was a child performer, in costumes tailored by her mother and performing hit songs from the Supremes, Staple Singers & The Jackson 5 for the next big cheer. With her bold, rich tone and innate talent; Garnetta became the lead vocalist in a junior choir and often participating where she could in performance opportunities with her sisters.

Garnetta reflects on recording “Miss Marva Ann” - “I felt compelled to write a song tribute to my mother, Marva Ann Fairfax. She was raised in the 1940s, in a very strict home as the only daughter with 2 brothers. My mother’s strength empowers me. Her fierceness to fed, clothed, and most importantly protecting her 6 girls.
As Garnetta continued her music journey, becoming a lead vocalist and drummer for a Toronto’s only female reggae band Sweet Sensation, performing on the same stage with Platinum/Grammy Award artists like Maxi Priest, Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, Gregory Issac and Sean Kingston and as a classic soul R&B artist, she has also shared the stage with Soul legends and Grammy Award artists like Percy Sledge, Dorothy Moore and The Manhattans. Retreating from the group, Nova Scotia compelled her to pack up life and be with family during a time of loss. Relocating within weeks, Garnetta scooped any job to pay the bills.

Her excellent work ethic and customer service had rendered her a series of job promotions. After a restructuring promotion, Garnetta was placed under the supervision of a racist and violent individual. Needing to move forward, Garnetta registered with the military reserves, and continued to educate as a correctional officer. However, in this role, she was also treated with incredible levels of disrespect and indecency. Garnetta was hurt, in a dark place and angry.

Emerging from darkness, Garnetta joined an R&B band in Nova Scotia called Bonafide, and set off for happiness, success, and change. What seemed prosperous was not. Garnetta experienced loss again when she found out her nephew in Ontario, had been shot and killed. Everyday seemed a battle, fighting past & present pains. Filled with sadness and anger, Garnetta channeled that energy through the power of weightlifting and her music.

“ Dance & Shout, It's A Women’s World", was written from my upbringing. It’s an anthem to all woman, directed to empower and inspire. I inherited my mother’s will to fight and survive in any circumstances; I hope my songs will connect with many audiences.” – Comments Garnetta Cromwell

Within 6 months of training, Garnetta won a gold medal and set a new provincial (Ontario) record; leading to competing in the PAN-AM Masters Canadian Games in 2018. Winning 2 gold medals, setting new Canadian records, Garnetta was heading to the 2019 World Championships in Montreal, Quebec; then an accident with a dump truck robbed her ability to compete. Admitting she needed to heal, Garnetta turned inside with self-reflection about life and her music. She committed to creating the music that was the soundscape to her story; that Soul-Funk and Classic R&B style allow Garnetta to live her best life.

The future is bright for Garnetta, she has been performing with her new funk/blues band Dagroovmasters, in studio recording with notable musicians like Mark Howe, Bassist (Amanda Marshall) and Juno Award/Blues artist/Piano/Hammond Kenny “Boss” Wayne, in addition, Garnetta is also the 2nd cousin of a world renowned wrestler/actor known as Dwayne "da rock" Johnson!



www.garnettacromwellmusic.com