Diva really is my name:
My parents were entertainers, my mother an opera singer and father, Freddie Montell, a professional-entertainer. Through their mutual passion for music that they helped create a record label known as “DIVA”, and subsequently my name came to be… I was born with music in my soul.
Having sung many Italian American Organizations throughout my career I was truly honored to accept the Leonardo da Vinci Award for Outstanding Achievement in Performing Arts 2011 presented by Order Sons of Italy in America.
My Studies were in Opera/Vocal Performance at DePaul University School of Music & The American Conservatory of Music
Band Projects:
I work with many of Chicago’s great musicians forming trio shows with a classical-jazz twist or other suitably-sized ensembles depending on the needs of the event, all in addition to my solo schedule. I have been involved in many projects including the Classic Rock bands: Hair of the Dog, MOJO and Beauty & The Beat. I've also worked extensively with the Dance/Disco-oriented band: Sweet Potato Rhythm. My most recent group endeavor is with an original-music band called Diva’s Crossing.