Joanne Cole welcomed acclaimed saxophonist, singer, and songwriter Vanessa Collier to the KGNU’s Blues Legacy ahead of her appearance at Blues From The Top this June. Collier talked about growing up surrounded by music in Texas, discovering the saxophone in fourth grade, and building an international touring career after getting her start with blues legend Joe Louis Walker.
The conversation also touched on her newest album, Do It My Own Way, her love of life on the road, and the strong blues audiences she’s found around the world — from Romania to Norway. Known for her powerhouse sax playing, soulful vocals, and funky stage presence, Collier invited listeners to come out for “a funky good time” at this year’s festival. (Air Date 5/15/26)
Listen to the interview here:
Transcript:
Joanne Cole: Vanessa, are you there?
Vanessa Collier: I’m here. Can you hear me?
Joanne Cole: The magic really works. I’m always afraid I’m going to be one of those DJs saying, “Are you there? Are you there?” But you’re here. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to KGNU, Miss Vanessa Collier.
Vanessa Collier: Thank you for having me. I’m glad it all worked out today.
Joanne Cole: Fabulous. I mentioned that you’ll be playing at Blues From The Top on June 26th through the 28th up in Winter Park, and I played Laura Chavez’s new release. Will Laura be with you on guitar?
Vanessa Collier: I don’t know yet. I rotate between about four guitar players, so I haven’t figured out who’s on that one just yet.
Joanne Cole: We love her, and this new release is really cool. I’m a huge fan of yours, Vanessa. You check all the boxes for me: you’re young, you’re a woman, and you play the saxophone. You play a bunch of other instruments as well, but those three things skyrocketed you to the top for me. And you’re funky as hell. Your stage presence, the music you choose, the music you write — it’s all got such a soulful, funky feel. So how did you get into music?
Vanessa Collier: We always had a ton of music playing in the house. My mom loves everything, so we listened to Top 40, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and country music because I was born in Texas. Lots of Willie Nelson — lots of varied music.
I played piano for about six months, but I had a teacher who would hit my hands, so I thought, “This is not for me.” After that, I saw somebody playing saxophone on a sitcom and fell in love with the sound. I picked it up in fourth grade and haven’t put it down since. I started singing and songwriting in college, and here we are.
Joanne Cole: How long have you been out on the road professionally?
Vanessa Collier: My last year of college, I toured with the late, great Joe Louis Walker. That’s where I really got my toes wet with touring — mainly the East Coast and then a month-long tour in Turkey with him. I put out my first record in 2014, and I’ve been touring steadily since 2015, slowly growing every year.
Joanne Cole: Eleven years this year. You’ve matured quite a bit. Do you like being on the road?
Vanessa Collier: I do. There’s a simplicity to the road. Even though I’m also the tour manager and handle all the hotels, flights, and logistics myself, you get to the heart of it — the music, meeting people from all over the world, eating amazing food, and exploring. It’s a great way to experience the world.
Joanne Cole: And you really are traveling the world. After these shows here, you’re heading to Europe. Where are you going?
Vanessa Collier: Romania, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland again, Spain, and Norway.
Joanne Cole: That’s wonderful. You’re going where people love the blues. Are you well received in places like Romania?
Vanessa Collier: Surprisingly, the blues culture is very strong there. I always make great connections.
Joanne Cole: That’s a beautiful thing — the blues knows no boundaries. We’re speaking with Vanessa Collier, and your newest album is Do It My Own Way. You’ll be performing June 26th at Blues From The Top. I’m so glad you called in.
Have you played Blues From The Top before?
Vanessa Collier: I haven’t. It’s been on my list for years, so I’m excited to finally check it off my bucket list.
Joanne Cole: It’s going to blow your mind. It’s a beautiful venue with wonderful people and high elevation. If you have time, I’ll take you fishing and hiking. I grew up in that valley, so it’s very special to me. You’re going to be surrounded by tremendous musicians.
I’ll let you go because I know you’re traveling, but thank you for making time for us. I’m going to play “Do It My Own Way.” Anything you’d like to leave our listeners with?
Vanessa Collier: Just come see us. My reputation is definitely as a saxophonist, but when people really listen to the lyrics and hear my voice live, I think they hear growth that surprises them. Come for a funky good time.
Joanne Cole: You put on a fabulous show. I’m a huge fan, so thank you for joining us on the radio. We’ll see you at Blues From The Top.
Vanessa Collier: Thank you so much for having me. I appreciate it, and I look forward to seeing you.
Joanne Cole: Take good care.
Vanessa Collier: You too. Bye-bye.
