Jennifer Holliday
Singer and Tony Award-Winning Actress
Jennifer Holliday is a “singer’s singer,” a diva with a voice that can leave an audience absolutely breathless. Whether punctuating a presidential ecumenical service at the White House with a rousing “down-home” gospel hymn or shaking the rafters of a concert hall with a hand-clapping show tune, this lady is at home wherever she performs.…
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Full Bio
Jennifer Holliday is a “singer’s singer,” a diva with a voice that can leave an audience absolutely breathless. Whether punctuating a presidential ecumenical service at the White House with a rousing “down-home” gospel hymn or shaking the rafters of a concert hall with a hand-clapping show tune, this lady is at home wherever she performs.
With her superlative skills, soulful artistry, and church-influenced technique, Holliday’s “spine-tingling” hits—“And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” and “I Am Changing” from the Broadway Smash Hit “Dreamgirls”—catapulted her to stardom and national recognition, and still bring audiences to their feet.
But things haven’t always gone smoothly. Holliday was in despair for more than ten years before she could admit to herself that she had more than a case of the blues. Now she shares her story of overcoming depression—day by day—and stresses that seeking medical treatment for this common disease is the key to successful recovery. “It’s as if my whole life has started over, and God has shown me how to laugh again, to have fun,” she says.
Now a volunteer advocate for the National Mental Health Association, she spreads the message that there is a healing path out of depression’s darkness. Depression, though, isn’t the only challenge she faces with her health. Holliday was diagnosed years ago with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative inflammatory disease causing physical, mental and sometimes psychiatric problems. She now fights back by exercising regularly, meditating and reading.
Jennifer Holliday is arguably one of the greatest voices of the new millennium. “My deepest desire has always been to sing from my heart and to be honest with my truest heartfelt emotions. My song not only speaks from my soul but it also speaks through me to the hearts of those who hear me sing.” Whether advocating for mental health or sharing stories from her career, Holliday is an inspiring speaker who will captivate your audience.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Sharing My Song with the World
Singing from the Heart
Women’s Leadership
Mental Health Awareness
Sharing My Song with the World
Overcoming Life’s Obstacle
Videos
Jennifer Holliday Performs "And I'm Telling You"
Books
News
Testimonials
Jennifer Holliday was fabulous! We had filled the room to capacity – over 300 people. What an inspiring story she has! We believe her speaking is as good as her performance. She tells her story with passion which mesmerized the audience. Jennifer is truly blessed with many talents.
People Incorporated
The gala was a tremendous success and our participants have let us know that seeing Ms. Holiday was an experience they will never forget. She was incredible, both in words and in song, and it was an absolute honor to work with her.
Director, Iris Alliance Fund
Your performance at the Austin Omni at Southpark Hotel moved and inspired attendees, who were then delighted when you offered to sign autographs and take photos. The hotel lobby was buzzing with the excitement from fans. Nearly a half hour later, you graciously offered to sign autographs at 5:00 p.m. so that people could attend the workshops. That evening, you met with the conference attendees and signed autographs into the evening hours. Clearly, you showed a deep compassion for the conference cause, supporting its attendees, speakers and championing its mission.
Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center
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