Te'Naj

     Janet McNeil, from Philadelphia, PA, began singing in her first live performance at ten. Singing in front of audiences has been an inspiring force as long as she can remember. Early junior high school training in basic vocal techniques was a great asset in helping to bridge and expand her career. In her development, she travelled with various bands as a lead vocalist, performing at venues including nightclubs, weddings, special outdoor events, concerts, and in the church choir. Through continuous study, observation, hard work, and practice, she established her own unique style. Today, she is known as Te’Naj, a name developed by reversing the spelling of her birth name. And though she worked in several fields of education, healthcare, and administration, in between, she was excelling in her passion -singing. In 2015, in collaboration with a musician friend of many years, she recorded a single titled “Dreams of You”. She is currently performing as a solo artist, singing a diverse range of genres including Jazz, Soul, Inspiration, Motown, Popular, and Broadway classics. 

A portfolio of performances too numerous to count. She began performing for senior audiences in 2013 to rave reviews. Her shows are amongst the most requested in this market.  Her program consists of popular jazz classics, Broadway show tunes, sing-alongs, ranging from the 1920s to the 1960s, as well as themed performances.

Her career has not been free of difficult challenges arising from situations beyond her control, often occurring in a competitive market. Nonetheless, she learned resilience during times of opposition, remains steadfast, encourages herself, and perseveres in doing what she loves and enjoys.   

Te’Naj continues pleasing her audiences with heartfelt singing and her unique style. Compelling emotions through lyrics liberated in song. There is no end in sight to the God-given talent she holds and the extraordinary vitality she brings to the stage. “Songbird”, yet another catchphrase given by her fans, is extremely grateful to her audiences who give purpose to celebrate entertainment! She shares the following expressions, written by Sarah Ban Breathnach, alongside her own experience. 

 "Birthing a dream takes years and exacts a price. Dreams cost money, sweat, frustration, tears, courage, choices, perseverance, and extraordinary patience. But birthing a dream requires one more thing: “Love”