Jazz, R&B/Soul, and Blues
Richmond, VA
Photo courtesy of Dave Parrish Photography
Desirée Roots is a celebrated music and theatre icon in Central Virginia and beyond. With over 35 years of experience, she has showcased her multi-hyphenated talents in the Gospel, Jazz, and Theatre scenes both regionally and internationally. Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Desirée began singing in church at the age of four and launched her professional theatrical career at 13, following the path of her musically inclined family.
Throughout the East Coast, Desirée has performed with orchestras, jazz ensembles, and her own groups. As a Grammy-nominated recording artist, she has also produced shows like "Ella at 100," celebrating Ella Fitzgerald's centenary. In 2014, she received the Theresa Pollak Award for Vocal Excellence in Virginia. Some of her favorite leading lady theatre roles have been: Effie White in “Dream Girls”; TiMoune in “Once On This Island”; Vera Charles in “Mame”; Sofia in “The Color Purple”; Aldonza in “Man of La Mancha” and how it all got started, Dorothy in “The Wiz”! She has been the opening act and/or has shared the stage with music greats such as: Phyllis Hyman, Shirley Horne, Boney James, Brian McKnight, B. B. King, Buddy Guy, Glenn Miller Orchestra and most recently, has been a featured soloist with our very own RSO (Richmond Symphony Orchestra).
This past summer, Desirée was invited to be the featured guest artist with the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra where she performed jazz arrangements commissioned specifically for her. Out of all the many hats she adorns, her most favorite roles are those of wife and mom.