Brenda attended Eastern High School and Morgan State College. She began singing at the 3-P’s Club on Kirk Avenue backed by Jimmy Wells (vibraphone), and Reggie Glasco (drums). As her classic jazz vocal style developed, she landed gigs at the Closet, Governor’s Club, Lord Baltimore Hotel…
At Gatsby’s Brenda was backed by Charlie Covington (piano), and Danny Brown (drums ex-Danny Brown & the Dynamics). Alford’s talents were brought to the attention of jazz pianist Horace Silver and she appeared on his 1978 album “Silver ‘n Strings Play the Music of The Spheres” (Blue Note 1033).
Brenda also performed with Billy Collucci (Billy Cole) in late ‘70s at clubs such as Blues for Mr. Charlie, and Cafe DesArtistes at Hopkins Plaza, The Closet on Franklin Street…
In the ‘80s-90s she was vocalist for the Morgan State University Band and recorded an LP “Brenda Alford Live! At Morgan State.” Backing group for the album featured Gaynell Colburn (congas, percussion), Bob Butta (piano), Terry Plumeri (bass), Kirk Driscoll (drums), Glen Grainger (trumpet), and Benny Russell (sax). Alford also performed a tribute to Billie Holiday at the Eubie Blake Cultural Center. Brenda continued to perform jazz in the ‘00s. Record releases include the CD “My Favorite Things.”
1980(LP) Sugar Plum 7795 Brenda Alford Live! At Morgan State
