“Lois Deloatch is more than a jazz singer. Her fluid interpretation of a vocalist’s role transcends being only a medium for the music. She often becomes a caretaker of the music’s history, an advocate of its redemptive power.”
READ MORE ABOUT LOIS @ https://linktr.ee/loisdeloatch.
Lois Deloatch is an artist-scholar whose work moves fluidly among music, cultural inquiry, higher education, and community engagement. Across these fields, she brings creative practice into conversation with questions of cultural heritage, social impact, and economic empowerment. Celebrated for her rich contralto voice, expressive songwriting, and imaginative interpretations of jazz, blues, and spirituals, she has performed throughout the United States and internationally. As a bandleader and recording artist, she has produced and released six recordings, including Love Always (2024) and Roots: Jazz, Blues and Spirituals. Her work with The Sistering—a music collective featuring Nnenna Freelon, Kate McGarry, and Lenora Zenzalai Helm—premiered March 2026 and remained among the top ten on the national jazz charts for four consecutive months. Read an article about The Sistering here.
Deloatch’s scholarship and institutional leadership deepen the intellectual foundations of her creative work. She is a Community Scholar at the National Humanities Center and a Senior Fellow—and former Executive Vice President—at the Center for Community Self-Help. She has also held professional and leadership appointments at Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and UNC–Chapel Hill. Her career reflects a sustained capacity to connect artistic expression, humanistic inquiry, and public purpose.
A lifelong volunteer, Deloatch extends this interdisciplinary commitment through service devoted to strengthening communities and advancing peace. She has served on the boards and advisory committees of numerous institutions and organizations. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from UNC–Chapel Hill and a Master of Arts from Duke University.
A distinct and original voice. -Dr. Billy Taylor
A sparking vocalist, lyricist & composer. -Jazz Review
In addition to her musical achievements, Lois has had a distinguished career in higher education and nonprofit management. She has held professional and leadership roles at the Center for Community Self-Help, Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and UNC-Chapel Hill. A dedicated volunteer, Lois focuses on strengthening communities and promoting peace. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from UNC–Chapel Hill and the Master of Arts from Duke University.
Read an article about Lois here.
Described as "courageous and provocative," Lois has been a writer, poet and vocalist since her youth. Her talent and insights were nurtured and inspired by her rural, southern upbringing and, over the years, she has expanded her artistic pursuits with the support of friends and fans around the globe. She collaborates with dancers, visual artists, filmmakers, authors, teachers and scholars to conceive and create innovative works.
Peace. Love. Respect for Everybody! Baba Chuck Davis