She Could Sing Before She Could Talk. Now She Turns Music Into Art.
Classical soprano Ebony Bradley-Boyd always knew she had an ear for music. Discover how she found an unexpected eye for abstract art — and how her surprising new talent became a beautiful lifeline for her family. Image: Saafir Muhammad
As a classically trained soprano, music has always been Ebony Bradley-Boyd’s first language. Then she discovered a surprising new voice: visual art. By translating the rhythms into bold, abstract paintings, she’s developed an artistic harmony — and a thriving business.
When she tragically lost her husband (Pastor Reverend Willie Boyd, Jr.) in 2022, Ebony’s dual passions became more than just creative outlets — they became a path forward for her and her three young children. Today, this self-taught, Memphis-based artist paints a beautiful picture of what life can look like with a little resilience and a lot of faith.
You’re widely known for your colorful visual art, but you are also an accomplished musician. Did those two talents flourish side by side?
My musical gift came first. I come from a family of musicians. My grandfather was a huge inspiration to me. He traveled all over the tri-state area singing. My mom grew up singing as well.
I began studying classical music at 8 years old when I started playing the cello. I sang in the choir at church and throughout high school. My high school music teacher introduced me to classical voice. I was offered several full vocal music scholarships.
I received a Bachelor of Arts in classical voice from LeMoyne-Owen College and an MA in education from Union University. I somehow stumbled upon [visual] art years later, after the birth of my second child. It was truly a gift I had no idea I had until 2017.
Did you have an “aha” moment that you were going to have a career in the arts?
There wasn’t an “aha” moment as it relates to music. I don’t ever remember a time when music wasn’t a part of my life. I always knew I was musically gifted. Art, on the other hand, definitely came out of nowhere, and my “aha” moment was January 2020, when a friend asked me to paint some leopards for her clients. They sold in less than a week. That June, I sold over $20,000 in one month, and my late husband said, “I think you’ve found your niche.”
I’m so thankful that my late husband encouraged me to paint, because this business has sustained my family since losing him in 2022. God was working everything out because he knew what was coming.
You are a self-taught artist. How did you perfect your craft without formal instruction?
I am a natural creative. I believe in freedom and improvisation. I don’t like to follow the rules unless it’s music-related. When it comes to my art, I paint it however my head tells me to. I used to try to look at other works and conform to different popular styles, but I always ended up going back to what was in my head. I’m so happy I did because that’s what has made my style stand out.
I know painting is a gift from God because I can’t say I’ve tried to perfect my art — I just let the brush and my head do the work! I do believe the way you perfect your craft is to do it every day, and over time, it gets better.
When you aren’t painting, you teach and perform music. What can you tell us about that part of your life?
I have a private voice studio and about 40 students. I train these students for musical theater and college auditions, and for overall “confidence,” because that’s 90 percent of any art-related gift/talent. I also teach part-time early childhood music at Briarcrest Christian School. I’m proud to say I have assisted students in winning vocal music scholarships, getting selected for state honors choirs and lead roles in musicals across the city, and, most of all, building their confidence.
You’ve said your musical background heavily influences your art, and you try to translate the auditory experience of music to canvas. What do you mean by that?
I love music and especially how it impacts the brain. It can make you feel calm. It can make you happy. It can even make you anxious. My goal is to create what I feel musically into each work of art. I listen to music when I am painting, and I allow it to tell me the direction I should go in with each piece. No two pieces will ever be the same. Every piece is an original evoked by whatever emotion I felt when creating it.
I listen to a lot of jazz. It’s my favorite style of music because of the encouragement of improvisation and going against the “classical” grain. I do the same in my art. I have no desire to follow a single rule in my art. I will only do it the way I want to!
After losing your husband, was art part of your healing process?
Art wasn’t the biggest part of my healing. It was definitely a blessing because it allowed me to continue to stay home with my children. I was able to make a living from home while caring for my infant baby at the time.
Music was more healing than anything. I started teaching voice lessons about a year after my husband passed, and it was so fulfilling to see young musicians thrive and do what they love. It was so healing and exactly what my soul needed.
How does living in the South inform your art?
Living in Memphis is a huge influence on my art. Memphis is the city with so much soul! The Blues City! I love the musical culture here, and as I’ve stated, my art is highly influenced by music. I love the blues!
You have a friend coming to Memphis for the first time. Where do you go to eat, shop, or hangout?
We would head downtown for cocktails at The Peabody. We’d eat dinner at Grisanti’s — I’d recommend the Elfo Special. We’d go shopping at The Perfect Boutique in Collierville, one of my favorite boutiques. We’d then head to Midtown to hangout at Tiger and Peacock Lounge, located in The Memphian.
You are a working mom with three young children. How do you find the work-life balance?
I have not figured that part out yet. I parent alone, so it is very difficult, but I am trying to be more intentional about learning how to turn off.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being able to care for my family after losing my husband. I never dreamed of being capable of doing everything for my children on my own, but I have proven to myself I am capable because God is always with me.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Where’s the best place for live music in Memphis? B.B. Kings and Crosstown.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given and by whom? “Lean not into your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him.” I learned so much from my late husband. He always reminded me that God would take care of me. And I carry that with me every day. I’m a church girl at heart. Can you tell?
What book (s) are on your nightstand? Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I’m a mommy!
What are three things you can’t live without? Pound cake, sweet tea, and Malibu Beach!
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Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.
