Live Music Spotlight: Emily Stanton
It All Started With Dwight Yoakam
Stanton has loved music since an early age. Her first live performance was singing Little Sister at the Western Idaho Fair. She was only four years old, wearing an oversized cowboy hat, tripping over stage cables, and staring out at the smiling people waiting for her to sing. It left an impression that never faded. Stanton’s parents enrolled her in music lessons by the age of six. An early influence during this time was her grandmother Merna, who would sit with her for hours teaching her songs like You Are My Sunshine and Tennessee Waltz. Stanton’s love for music grew, and soon, in addition to the piano, she added the violin.
The Passion Grows
Emily became a member of the Idaho Jr. Jammer Fiddlers, performing at events around the valley and the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. She started playing a variety of music in various local bands focusing on piano and electric violin. At 16, Stanton landed her first paid gig with the band Redstone. That’s all it took! She set her sights on being a professional entertainer, finding that not only did she have a voice, but she also had a keen ear for music.
After high school, she pursued a music degree at Treasure Valley Community College (“Go Chuckers,” Stanton proclaims!). She sang in a 12-piece vocal jazz ensemble that traveled the Northwest. After leaving college, she joined her first Rock group, an all-female band called the Kougars. The Kougars performed at casinos, nightclubs, fairs, and festivals. Stanton loved every minute of it, and her talent just continued to grow.
Finding Her Groove
Stanton started to find her sound and stage presence, blending a unique persona of sweet sincerity and sultry soulfulness. This led to the creation of The Emily Stanton Band – a five-piece funk, soul, and R&B ensemble. Known for their upbeat covers from Stevie Wonder to Prince, they also play many original songs. The Emily Stanton Band has allowed her to explore and grow her music, finding a playful mix of soulful R&B with deep, gentle organic sounds. “The members are all unbelievable musicians – the best I’ve ever had the opportunity to play music with,” says Stanton. They have been in the recording studio for the last year working on an all-original album, due in April 2022, which they are excited to share.
In 2018, Stanton joined the national touring band High Street, a “Party Band” known nationwide for playing the hottest dance hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and Top 40. Performing weddings, headlining national festivals for the PGA Tour, and more in all 50 states and cruise lines in the Caribbean.
So much has influenced her music over the years. In addition to those early years playing with grandma Merna, Stanton has a long list of artists who have influenced her sound. This list includes Glenn Miller, Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Bill Evans, and John Coltrane, just to name a few.
Noteworthy Achievements
- Winning the Northwest Jazz Vocal Championships in 2016
- Instructor of the Year award in 2012
- Teaching orchestra at Foothills School of the Arts and Sciences
- Representing Idaho in Nashville, TN, winning an All-Star Performance Award in 2004
- Teaching vocal jazz workshop classes online and at jazz festivals in the Northwest
Jazz with Emily Stanton at Chandlers
Stanton became part of the Chandlers music family in 2017. You can see her perform most Thursday nights with classic jazz standards and a touch of modern songs. “I love singing at Chandlers. It truly is first class,” Stanton says.
Check for her next performance on our music calendar, and reserve a spot by calling 208.383.4300.
