Bio
Diana Tuffin is a jazz, gospel, blues, and voice-over artist residing in Winston Salem, NC. For six years, she has been the primary featured vocalist with The Camel City Jazz Orchestra. She is a regular guest vocalist at The Rhythm Lounge & Grill, the O’ Henry Hotel Jazz Series, and worship centers throughout North Carolina. She has also performed at the Annual John Coltrane Festival in High Point, NC.
She has appeared in Dr. Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble Production at the Turnage Theater. Diana's other artistic endeavors include principal acting roles in “Stompin’ At The Savoy” and “Rejoice” performed at the University of North Carolina School of The Arts.
As a board member and performer for Carolina Music Ways, Diana shows her passion for its mission to inspire North Carolina youth to take pride in the state's rich musical heritage. In addition to her love of music, Diana enjoys learning about foods and languages of all cultures.
Diana considers it a privilege and pleasure to work with some of North Carolina’s finest musicians, directors, and actors. Hailed as one of Winston Salem's iconic jazz treasures, Diana Tuffin’s image has been immortalized in a public art installation in the city's Benton Convention Center.
She is known to say, “It’s All About The Music.”
The Woman in the Red Dress
By Judie Holcomb Pack
He caught a glimpse of her from across the room,
Surrounded by friends who leaned in close
Whispering secrets and private jokes.
He saw her smile, then she tilted her head back,
And her full-throated laugh
Sounded like she was
Laughing at the world,
Challenging it to try to hold her back.
The room was filled with the sweet strains of jazz,
But he barely noticed
Until suddenly she joined in with the music,
Scatting along with the guitar and sax,
Unselfconscious, her voice
Creating lyrics that made sense only in her mind.
At the end of the evening, she casually strolled past his table,
Her hip barely brushing his shoulder as she walked by.
Years later, they would ask him what it was
That made him first notice her.
And for a moment he will look away,
Close his eyes to remember a time long ago,
And softly reply:
“One night I saw her smile.”