My Story

“To God Be the Glory, for the Things He Has Done!”

Songstress Paula Holloway, a native Philadelphian, has been described by The Philadelphia Inquirer as “a standout among standouts!”

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Paula's musical journey began in the church, where her love for singing was nurtured by her talented and devoted parents, Charles Sr. and Roxie Holloway. Under their guidance, she developed not only the confidence and artistry of a lead vocalist but also the discipline, sensitivity, and musical versatility required of a sought-after background singer.

From Gershwin to Gospel, Jazz to Motown, and everything in between, Paula's extraordinary versatility has become one of her defining qualities. Her powerful, gospel-tinged voice, rich with warmth, soul, and expression, brings a distinctive musical experience to every stage she graces.

Throughout her career, Paula has been blessed to perform, tour, and record with an impressive array of celebrated artists, including Anita Baker, Patti LaBelle, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, Regina Belle, Nancy Wilson, Stephanie Mills, and many others.

Her musical journey has taken her from recording studios and concert stages to international tours and theatrical productions. Her theater credits include portraying Dorothy in "The Wiz", performing in "Black Nativity", and appearing as a featured Psalmist in "The Gospel at Colonus".

A familiar presence on Philadelphia's music scene, Paula has performed regularly with The Philly POPS and its successor ensemble, The No Name Pops. She also leads her own band, Generations' Soul Scion, and performs as a lead vocalist with the Urban Guerilla Orchestra (UGO).

Beyond the spotlight, Paula's musical gifts extend to songwriting, vocal arranging, choir directing, vocal coaching, and worship leadership. Whether performing before thousands or ministering through song in a church sanctuary, she approaches every opportunity with passion, purpose, and gratitude.

Yet, beyond the performances, recordings, and professional accomplishments, the foundation of Paula's life and musical journey remains her unwavering love for Jesus Christ.

She recognizes that every gift, every opportunity, and every accomplishment is a blessing from God. Her desire is not simply to entertain, but to encourage, uplift, inspire, and touch lives through the healing power of music.

It is this belief that gives meaning to her personal philosophy:

“Music Is Medicine™”

And through every chapter of her journey, one declaration remains constant:

“To God Be the Glory, for the Things He Has Done!”

Professional Credits

RECORDING CREDITS — BACKGROUND VOCALS

Patti LaBelle • Lou Rawls • Billy Paul • Regina Belle • Teddy Pendergrass • Jean Carne • Stephanie Mills • Phyllis Hyman • LL Cool J • Miki Howard • Miles Jaye • Gabriel Hardeman Delegation • John Whitehead • Tangier • Kris Kross • Black-Eyed Susa

RECORDING CREDITS — GUEST SOLOIST & LEAD VOCALS

Grover Washington Jr.

• “Time Out of Mind”

• “Check Out Grover” — Next Exit

Philadelphia Mass Choir

Philadelphia Youth Mass Choir

• “Do You Love Jesus”

R.J. Lovett Faith Ensemble

Gregory Allen & Friends

• “He’ll Be There”

Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church • • “Here Am I, Use Me”

Hannibal Lokumbe

• “Can You Hear God Crying”

TOUR — ABROAD

Anita Baker • Patti LaBelle • Regina Belle • Phyllis Hyman • Lou Rawls • Miles Jaye • UGO – Urban Guerilla Orchestra, AND MORE

TOUR — LOCAL & SPOT DATES

Celine Dion • Foreigner • George Michael • Cheryle “Pepsi” Riley • Angela Winbush • Gerald Veasley • Monifah • Allyson Williams • Anthony Wayne • Faith Evans • Carol Riddick • Jaguar Wright • Tweet • Sarah Dash • Avery Sunshine • Martha Wash • Bootsy Collins • Philip Bailey • Peabo Bryson • The O’Jays • Journey • Lou Rawls • Nancy Wilson • Tyrese, AND MORE

SOUL TRAIN CRUISES

Regina Belle • Melba Moore • Rev. Clifton Davis • Cherrelle • CHIC • Thelma Houston • Heatwave • Meli’sa Morgan • B.T. Express • Dazz Band • Evelyn “Champagne” King • Gerald Alston • Karyn White • Mary Jane Girls • Howard Hewett • The Brothers Johnson • Bobby Wilson • Phil Perry • First Choice • Jourdan “Barry White” Carroll, AND MORE

TOUR — GOSPEL ARTISTS

Dottie Peoples • Tramaine Hawkins, Ph.D. • Richard Smallwood, AND MORE

THEATER EXPERIENCE

• "Black Nativity" — Freedom Theatre (1996 & 1997)

• "The Wiz" — Role of Dorothy, Cheyney University

• "The Shoeshine Box" — The Venus Island Theatre

MUSIC VIDEOS

Regina Belle — “Love TKO”

JINGLES / RADIO SPOTS

• “Poochie Loves Them Girls” — Power 99 FM

• UTZ Potato Chips

• “Neighbors in the New World”

• “Tag Man”

MUSIC TRIBUTES & ADAPTATIONS

• “Ella & Louie Sing Porgy & Bess & More!” — The Philly POPS Big Band, The Kimmel Center

• “The Gospel Mass” — The Keystone State Boychoir, The Kimmel Center of Philadelphia

• “Aretha Franklin Tribute Mass” — New York City

• “A Soulful Christmas” — The Kimmel Center of Philadelphia

• Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “Divas Simply Singing” — HIV/AIDS Benefit

• “Can You Hear God Crying” — Hannibal Lokumbe & The Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra,

@ The Kimmel Center

• “The Gospel at Colonus” — The Coatesville Theater

• “Gospel Roots of Rock & Soul” — Bright Hope Baptist Church

SKILLS

Vocal Range & Versatility

1st Soprano • 2nd Soprano • 1st Alto • 2nd Alto • Tenor

Musical & Performing Arts Skills

• Vocal Arranging

• Songwriting and Arranging

• Piano and Synthesizers

• Choir Director

• Vocal Coach

• Vocal Ensemble Coach

• Worship Leader

• Psalmist

• Dancing

• Acting

EDUCATION / FORMAL TRAINING

• Community College of Philadelphia — Piano & Music Theory

• Settlement School of Music — Piano & Music Theory

• Overbrook High School — Music Major

• Philadanco — Ballet & Modern Jazz

Career Highlights & Accomplishments

FEATURED PERFORMANCES WITH THE PHILLY POPS

Featured performances with The Philly POPS Big Band at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center, including the musical production “Ella & Louie Sing Porgy & Bess & More!”

PERFORMANCE WITH THE PHILADELPHIA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Featured in Hannibal Lokumbe’s “Can You Hear God Crying” with the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.

RECORDING WITH GROVER WASHINGTON JR.

Featured as a lead vocalist on “Check Out Grover” from Grover Washington Jr.’s album "Next Exit", marking a significant milestone in Paula’s recording career.

THE GOSPEL MASS

Performed in “The Gospel Mass” with the Keystone State Boychoir at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center. A particularly memorable moment was the opportunity to share the stage with her son, Vance.

On another occasion, Paula performed a duet of “A Change Is Gonna Come” with one of Vance’s fellow choir members during the choir’s Spring Concert.

GOSPEL ROOTS OF ROCK & SOUL

Paula Holloway and the Philadelphia Heritage Chorale performed “You Are My Friend” at Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia as part of “Gospel Roots of Rock & Soul.”

SHERYL LEE RALPH’S

"DIVAS SIMPLY SINGING!"

Participated in Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “Divas Simply Singing,” a benefit concert supporting HIV/AIDS awareness.

HANDS ACROSS AMERICA — 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Participated in the 40th Anniversary Concert celebrating Hands Across America, held at Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia.

A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS

Featured soloist with St. Raymond of Penafort Catholic Church, performing “For Every Mountain” during “A Soulful Christmas” at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center.

ARETHA FRANKLIN TRIBUTE MASS

Served as the exclusive featured vocal soloist for the “Aretha Franklin Tribute Mass” in New York City, honoring the extraordinary musical legacy of the Queen of Soul.