BIO imageBIO image
GARNETTA CROMWELL
www.garnettacromwellmusic.com

" At the age of 5, I had a hearing impairment, I was deaf"!

As a little girl, when my mother played her music, I would lie on our fluffy, shag carpet and place my ear to the loudspeaker, so that I can feel the joy, and the soul, of Aretha Franklin. I soon became deaf, deafened by the Queen of Soul's powerful vocals, which led me to start reading lips. I relied on lip-reading to understand what everyone was saying. After a few years, when my hearing was restored, I then had to focus on looking into people's eyes, their souls, to understand and reflect - and to become the woman, the athlete, and the blues and soul artist, I am today".

Losing my hearing was one of my many challenges, I faced and overcame. I never gave up. Having been raised with strong women in my life, I will never give up!
Performing with my white sneakers is a tribute to my athletic background.


-Garnetta


Garnetta Cromwell, a magnetic lead vocalist, embarked on her musical journey as a young girl in Montreal. Being the youngest of eight siblings, she was raised in an Afro-Metis household, where music became her solace. Despite facing a hearing impairment in her childhood that required surgical treatment, Garnetta's passion for music remained unwavering. She found inspiration in Gospel, Blues, Country, and classic Soul. Loving music gave her the impetus to survive, the determination to thrive, the peace to heal and a reason to grow.

Garnetta was a child performer, perfoming in costumes tailored by her mother and performing hit songs from Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Gladys Knight and Diana & The Supremes. With her mother and older siblings, Garnetta moved from Montreal to Ontario, where she was introduced to the reggae music scene.
As Garnetta continued her music journey, she became one of the lead vocalists and drummer for Toronto’s first female reggae band, Sweet Sensation, in the 90's. Performing on the same stage with Platinum/Grammy Award artists Maxi Priest, Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, Gregory Issac, Sean Kingston and Platinum/Grammy soul legends Percy Sledge, Dorothy Moore and The Manhattans.

Retreating from the group, she packed up her life in Ontario and went to Nova Scotia, to be with family during a time of loss. Relocating within weeks, Garnetta scooped any job she could to pay the bills. She landed a promising career, (so she thought), with her employer, Leon's Furniture Inc. in Dartmouth, NS. After a restructuring promotion, Garnetta was placed under the supervision of a racist and violent individual, that led to a Human Rights investigation, of which took approximately 5 years to be heard. Winning her Human Rights hearing in 2014, one of the stipulations for her ex-employer, was to provide education, through workshops, to all African & Indigenous Nova Scotians, to gain the skills needed to succeed, at Leon's Furniture Inc. Garnetta now has a Human Rights Case Study, that is based around her hearing "Cromwell vs Leon Furniture Inc". Needing to move forward, she started another career as a Correctional Officer and registered with the Canadian Armed Forces, as a reservist. Garnetta was treated with incredible levels of disrespect, (due to her race and gender) and indecency, that put her in a dark and angry place.

Emerging from the darkness, Garnetta rekindled her love for music and joned a R&B band and set off for happiness, success and change. Garnetta soon experienced loss again when her eldest nephew, was shot and killed, at the age of 27, while being a "good samaritan". 5 months later, Garnetta found herself burying another nephew, from the same sister. Overwhelmed with sadness, anger, frustration and confusion, Garnetta was determined to find her purpose in life, while raising her 3 children on her own. After the sudden passing of her mother, lonliness and depression was knocking on her door again, so instead of going down a "dark hole", Garnetta relocated from Nova Scotia to Ontario and channeled her energy towards the sport of Olympic Weighlifting.

Focusing on weightlifting for physical and mental health, within six months of training, Garnetta won her first gold medal and set a new Ontario record (February 2018), which led to competing in the Pan-Am Masters Canadian Games, in the spring of 2018. Winning two gold medals and setting a new Canadian record.

In October of 2021, her eldest son was shot and injured, by this time, Garnetta admitted that she needed to heal. She turned inside with self-reflection about life and her music. After facing numerous personal challenges, she decided it was time for her to follow her passion of performing and entertaining music that  reflects her life's journey. She has committed to creating the music that is the soundscape to her story and to live her best life. In 2022 Garnetta decided to form her own band, made up of exceptional all around musicians and record her first full length Album/CD, that has been newly released on September 8, 2023, called, "Time To Shine".

GARNETTA CROMWELL & DaGROOVMASTERS is a classic soulful Blues Band that delivers a high-energy show. They are a reflection of Canada's multicultural society. Their upbeat music brings pure joy to all listeners. Garnetta has graced the stage with Juno and Maple Blues Award recipient, Hall of Famer, the King of Boogie Woogie, Mr. Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne and Blue Rodeo. Within their first year together, GARNETTA CROMWELL & DaGROOVMASTERS won the Toronto Blues Society's Talent Search (July 2022), which earned them a spot to compete at the finals in the International Blues Challenge, held in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, January 2023. Garnetta has performed at the 24th Annual Southside Shuffle (September 2022), one of Canada's best known blues festivals. Garnetta performed at the 35th Annual Women Blues Revue held at Massey Hall, on November 25, 2022, where she received a full standing ovation, and has since been invited back to the 36th Annual Women's Blues Revue, on November 17, 2023 TD Toronto Jazz Festival (July 2023) and Union Summer Blues Monday (July 2023). Garnetta has just finished her well received Western Canadian "Time To Shine" tour, in August. She performed at the Calgary International Blues Festival, Nanaimo BluesFest, Salmon Arms, Roots & Blues Festival and Bear Creek Folk Festival.
Garnetta's style of upbeat music brings pure joy to all listeners and she continues to spread her soulful blues sound throughout her performances. Garnetta's first full album/CD, Time To Shine, was released on September 8, 2023, produced by Ken Whiteley.

Garnetta's autobiography,"Time To Shine" book will be coming out in 2025.



Upcoming Events

TitleDateLocation
Special Guest @ Jo Blos Roc n Woks02 Dec 20232 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
Ensemble on Cable 1404 Dec 2023398 Nash Road North, Hamilton, ON, Canada
HBHAS Holiday Party09 Dec 2023828 Legion Road, Burlington, ON, Canada
Sammy's Creamery30 Dec 202375 Erie Avenue, Brantford, ON, Canada
Hammer Hogs BBQ20 Jan 202443 Argyle St N, Caledonia, ON N3W 1B8, Canada
Twilight Jazz and Blues Series - 7th Edition22 Jan 2024769 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada
Toronto CD Release @ Hugh's Room Live25 Jan 2024296 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
Blues Summit Eleven10 Feb 2024410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Back Alley Bar & Grill Matinee26 May 202418 Princess Avenue, St. Thomas, ON, Canada
Halton Freedom Festival03 Aug 20241400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, Canada

Past Events

TitleDateLocation
Gator At The Norfolk18 Nov 2023200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
36th Womens Blues Revue17 Nov 2023178 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Halloween at Lviv28 Oct 2023201 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
Folk Music Ontario14 Oct 2023London, ON, Canada
Canal Banks Blues Shuffle12 Oct 20233 Ormond Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada
Jazz Vespers Series w Ori Dagan30 Sep 20232550 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
Gator at the Norfolk16 Sep 2023200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
Architect Hair Design Supercrawl Rooftop09 Sep 2023324 James Street North, Hamilton, ON, Canada
CD Release Party in Hamilton, ON08 Sep 202311 Lansdowne Avenue, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Beach Bash Party02 Sep 2023555 Bay Street North, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Lviv Castle Restaurant26 Aug 2023201 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
Bear Creek Folk Festival20 Aug 202310417 104 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB, Canada
Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival18 Aug 2023481 5 Ave SW, Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
Nanaimo Blues Festival12 Aug 2023100 Comox Road, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
Vancouver, BC Guilt & Co.11 Aug 20231 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Calgary International Blues Festival04 Aug 20231220 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, Canada
Gator At The Norfolk29 Jul 2023200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
Music In The Parks25 Jul 202314 Garnet Rd, Brantford, ON, Canada
Moonshine Cafe21 Jul 2023137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada
Blues Monday17 Jul 2023Union Station, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Donnelly's out on the patio14 Jul 202357 Front Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada
Canada Day Private Party01 Jul 2023St. Catharines, ON, Canada
2023 TD Jazz Festival30 Jun 2023Toronto, ON, Canada
Function Bar17 Jun 20232291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Gator At The Norfolk10 Jun 2023200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
Heartwood Concert Hall25 May 2023939 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, ON, Canada
Peter Piper's Pub House w Jimmy Caisson21 May 2023111 Hwy 20 E, Fonthill, ON, Canada
Durham Roots Festival @ Frontier Ghost Town Campground20 May 2023503186 Grey Rd 12, Markdale, West Grey, Ontario, Canada
Music By The Bay Live13 May 2023301 Watson Street West, Whitby, ON, Canada
Linsmore Tavern w Jerome Tucker Band07 May 20231298 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
WINTERTIDE at Royal Botannical Gardens06 May 2023603 Plains Road East, Burlington, ON, Canada
Gator at the Norfolk22 Apr 2023200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
SOS Spices on Sydenham15 Apr 2023159 Sydenham Street, Brantford, ON, Canada
Special guest apperance w Brant Parker at Donnelly's Pub15 Apr 202354 Front Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada
Sammy's Creamery08 Apr 202375 Erie Avenue, Brantford, ON, Canada
Function Bar25 Mar 20232291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Moonshine Cafe24 Mar 2023137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada
2023 TD Jazz Festival13 Mar 2023
Winterfolk Festival 202326 Feb 2023319 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
Rev. John C Holland Black Excellence Awards18 Feb 2023LIUNA Station Banquet Hall
Hamilton Public Library Central17 Feb 202355 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON, Canada
International Blues Competition25 Jan 2023Beale Street, Memphis, TN, USA
International Blues Showcase at Hard Rock Cafe24 Jan 2023126 Beale Street, Memphis, TN, USA
Fundraiser for Memphis at The Brown Barrel21 Jan 20231515 Upper Ottawa Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Road To Memphis Fundraiser15 Jan 20232291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Pre Christmas Party @ Sammy's Creamery23 Dec 202275 Erie Avenue, Brantford, ON, Canada
Garnetta & Dagroovmasters17 Dec 2022137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada
Jeans & Sparkle Holiday Party w HBHAS03 Dec 2022828 Legion Road, Burlington, ON, Canada
Function Bar26 Nov 20222291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Women In Blues Revue25 Nov 2022178 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Function Bar19 Nov 20222291 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Gator At The Norfolk05 Nov 2022200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
BIPOC hART Music Series14 Oct 2022200 Caroline Street North, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Queen Street West Art Crawl Festival24 Sep 2022790 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada
Play The Parks (Harmony Square) TDCanda & CMIncubators18 Sep 202289 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, ON, Canada
Hamilton's Supercrawl10 Sep 2022324 James Street North, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Southside Shuffle- Main Stage09 Sep 2022Memorial Park, Port Credit, ON
Beggar's Blues Banquet08 Sep 202235 Front Street North, Mississauga, ON, Canada
8th Annual T.U. Jazz Fest 202204 Sep 20225100 Yonge Street, North York, ON, Canada
Club Envy27 Aug 202293 Cedar Drive, Turkey Point, ON, Canada
Gator @ the Norfolk26 Aug 2022200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
Brant Parker's Special guest20 Aug 202254 Front Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada
City Of Hamilton "Jazz in the Creek"19 Aug 202254 King Street East, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Emancipation Day Celebration13 Aug 2022Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
Halton Freedom Celebration30 Jul 20221400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, Canada
Pub Fiction23 Jul 20221242 Garner Road West, Ancaster, ON, Canada
Donnelly's Pub Sunday Matinee17 Jul 202254 Front Street South, Thorold, ON, Canada
Black Swan16 Jul 2022154 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
70's Night at Club Boullee09 Jul 202298 Boullee Street, London, ON, Canada
Toronto Blues Society Finals02 Jul 2022Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada
Canada Day Celebration01 Jul 2022To Be Announced
Moonshine Cafe25 Jun 2022137 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON, Canada
Soulful Kafe18 Jun 202281 Brant Ave, Brantford, ON, Canada
George Hamilton28 May 2022152 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Turkey Point Hotel22 May 202293 Cedar Drive, Turkey Point, ON, Canada
Gator At The Norfolk20 May 2022200 Main Street, Port Dover, ON, Canada
Spices on Sydenham-Afternoon Matinee14 May 2022159 Sydenham Street, Brantford, ON, Canada
Friday the 13th In Port Dover,13 May 2022200 Main St, Port Dover, ON, Canada
Spring Up!07 May 2022270 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Commodore's Ball30 Apr 2022RHYC Royal Hamilton Yacht Club
International Blues Competition27 Mar 2022339 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON, Canada
The Black Swan26 Mar 2022154 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada