Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Suzanne Grzanna

We recently had the chance to connect with Suzanne Grzanna and have shared our conversation below.

Suzanne, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I find great joy in sharing my talents with children, especially when it comes to teaching them music. One of the most rewarding parts of this experience is seeing their faces light up as they begin to grasp a musical concept. That moment of understanding fills my heart with happiness and makes every lesson worthwhile.

I participated in Music Advocacy Day, part of the Recording Academy and met with Robert Hansen, Deputy District Director for Congresswoman Gwen Moore, to discuss important topics including AI theft protection for creators, the No Fakes Act, and Arts Investment. I think these issues are very important and I ask you to contact congress and help with these bills. The future of music is with my heart and I was thankful I could be part of the process to help stand up for music creators.

I also released my new album and video titled Cat’s Meow XO. This is a jazz vocal album and the songs mean so much to me. This album is the reimagination of my original songs mixed in with fresh ideas in mind. It tells stories from different moments in my life. Jazz has always been my voice, and Cat’s Meow XO is an expression of that.

I have been traveling the country promoting my new album including performing at the Boston Jazz Festival and other events in New York and Los Angeles. I was awarded the Indie Music Channel Award for Best Jazz Instrumentalist and Best Jazz Song along with a Global Music Award . Currently, I have been nominated for the Josie Music Awards “Musician of the Year – Saxophonist”, “Vocalist of the Year”, and “Artist of the Year.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Suzanne Grzanna — a saxophonist, vocalist, and composer who loves blending genres like jazz, pop, blues, rock, holiday, EDM, and classical music. My songs have been featured on Hallmark, Netflix, BET, and various news channels, which has been such an honor.
I own and manage Diva Records LLC and Sax Diva LLC, independent companies where I record, produce, and release my own music and videos. Through these labels, I also run a website that shares news about my performances, videos, and songs. In addition to performing, I love producing, arranging, and creating sync-friendly music for my jazz and dance music library.
One of my latest singles, “Midnight Blues,” reached #1 on iTunes, and I’m so excited to share my newest release, “Cat’s Meow XO,” with everyone. It’s a project that really reflects my passion for storytelling through music and the energy I bring to every performance.

I’ve also had a strong connection to dance music. Hearing modern remixes of Ella Fitzgerald’s timeless songs in clubs sparked my inspiration to bring that same energy and creativity to my own work. In 2018, I began an incredible collaboration with 3X Billboard-charting artist Kim Cameron, blending my jazz roots with her dance expertise to create music that’s both soulful and energizing. Together, we’ve released a series of vibrant tracks that celebrate the fusion of jazz sophistication and infectious dance rhythms.

Releases:
🎷 Jazz Albums
The Cat’s Meow, Fly Me to the Moon, My Santa Baby, Simply Sunday, Christmas Night, Daybreak, The Cat’s Meow Anniversary Album, The Cat’s Meow Anniversary Album – Saxophone Instrumentals, Cat’s Meow XO Album

🎶 Jazz Singles
Wedding Day, Spring Waltz (LIVE) feat. Alex Otey, Sunrise (Seaper Powers), Midnight Blue, Snow City XO, Deck the Halls in a Minor Mood

💃 Dance Releases (under Sax Diva)
Running Past the Line (Kim Cameron), Love Sick (Kim Cameron), A Dance After Midnight (Seaper Powers), Never Forgetting (Seaper Powers), Fearless Lovers (Kim Cameron), Simply Sunday After Hours, Simply Sunday Dance All Day, Paper Bays (Kim Cameron & Sax Diva)

🎵 2025 Collaboration
Autumn Leaves with Julyo (feat. Suzanne Grzanna) – Blues (2025)

🎬 Film Credits

“Oh Christmas Tree” – Hallmark Movies

“Seaper Powers: In Search of Bleu Jay’s Treasure” – Kim Cameron, Director

“Seaper Powers: Mystery of the Blue Pearls” – Kim Cameron, Director

“Miami Listening Party” – Artist Role: Suzanne Grzanna | Kim Cameron, Director

“Wild Honey” – Original Song: “Simply Sunday” | Francis Stokes, Director

“A Christmas Horror Story” – Harvey, Hoban & Sullivan, Directors

“Dare to Dream: The Alan Kulwicki Story” – David Orgas, Director

“Buttleman” – Francis Stokes, Director

“Mr. ID” – Yuri Rutman & John Stecenko, Directors

🎥 Upcoming Project

“Western Conviction” – Colleen Ann Brah, Director
Acting Role: Suzanne Grzanna

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Early Life and Musical Foundations
Music has always been a defining part of my life. My parents, Don and Maureen Grzanna, are both professional musicians who recognized early on that I was destined to follow in their footsteps. Growing up, our home was always filled with music such as rehearsals, performances, and the constant sound of creativity. I often attended my parents’ concerts, and their dedication inspired me to share my own musical gifts with the world.
My mother began teaching me piano and accordion at the age of five, instilling in me the importance of discipline and practice. Their unwavering work ethic became the foundation of my success, and I am endlessly grateful for their support and belief in me.
When I entered third grade, my family formed a band that included my mother, Maureen, and my siblings Donnie, Mark, and Christine. I played piano and sang, performing extensively throughout the Milwaukee area. Around this time, I began competing in The National Guild Piano Competitions, earning several prestigious honors, including The Early Bach Award, The Advanced Bach Award, The Sonatina Award, and The Irl Allison Award. At eleven years old, I performed at The Pacemakers Concert at Alverno College, marking one of my earliest major public performances.
I soon expanded my musical studies to include clarinet and tenor saxophone, performing with the Wisconsin Lutheran Grade School Band, which further deepened my love for ensemble playing.

High School Years
At Wisconsin Lutheran High School, under the direction of Terry Trueden, I participated in a wide range of ensembles including marching band, concert band, jazz ensemble, choir, and Wisco Kids (a swing choir directed by Lenard Proeber). At sixteen, I performed Chopin’s Revolutionary Étude on piano at a Wisconsin beauty pageant, earning first place in music.
I also competed in solo and ensemble contests, receiving numerous first-place awards in clarinet, saxophone, and voice. During my senior year, I was honored with the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, recognizing my commitment to jazz performance and excellence.

Collegiate Experience and Classical Studies
During college, I became a member of the Christian rock band Malachi, touring across the United States as a keyboardist, saxophonist, and vocalist. I attended both Wisconsin Lutheran College and Carroll University, studying operatic voice and classical saxophone. My solid background in classical piano proved invaluable during these years, especially as I explored the works of Handel and traditional Italian classical music under the guidance of Elaine Erickson.
Dr. Aamot also played an essential role in nurturing my appreciation for classical music. Through a college choir tour of Austria and Italy, I had the extraordinary opportunity to sing in majestic cathedrals, immersing myself in the region’s art, culture, and history.
At just eighteen, I joined the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus under the direction of Margaret Hawkins, Lee Erickson, and Zdenek Macal. Our performances included Lukas Foss’ With Music Strong, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky Cantata and Lieutenant Kijé Suite with concerts at prestigious venues such as The Marcus Performing Arts Center (Milwaukee), Ravinia (Chicago), Summerfest, and Symphony Center (Chicago).

Saxophone and Jazz Influences
My passion for the classical saxophone grew through the study of works from the Paris Conservatory, including those by Pierre Max Dubois and Alexander Glazunov. Under the guidance of my saxophone professor Mark Helgert at Carroll University, I learned the value of precision, tone, and expressive interpretation.
At the same time, Margaret Hawkins, founder of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, became a cherished mentor who shaped my classical singing technique and professional discipline.
While completing my academic degree, I also delved deeply into jazz studies, developing a lifelong love for the genre. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Music with an emphasis in Voice and Saxophone, along with a Business Administration Degree in Human Resource Management and a Communications Minor, I continued my education at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, studying with David Hazeltine, Jackie Allen, Bill Stone, and Berkeley Fudge. Each of these remarkable musicians had a profound influence on my artistry particularly Jackie Allen, whose mentorship shaped much of my vocal style.
My journey also took me to California, where I studied with legendary saxophonists Charles McPherson and Eric Marienthal (of the Chick Corea Elektric Band). These experiences inspired me to form my own jazz quartet, further developing my sound and musical voice.

Mentorship and Career Growth
One of the most transformative moments in my career was meeting the great Frank Morgan, whom I interviewed on WYMS Jazz Radio alongside Susan Orr. Our friendship grew over time, and he became an invaluable mentor, inviting me to attend his private recording sessions in New York City and Los Angeles. Witnessing those sessions firsthand with musicians such as Rodney Kendrick, Curtis Lundy, Leroy Williams, Ray Drummond, Cedar Walton, Ray Brown, and Billy Higgins profoundly shaped my understanding of jazz and artistry.
These experiences, along with the love and guidance of my mentors, gave me the tools and confidence to pursue a lifelong career in music.
In addition to performing, I earned three Education Certifications in Choir, Band, and General Music, and I have shared my passion for teaching at institutions including Cornerstone Music Conservatory (Santa Monica, CA), Highland Hall Waldorf School (Northridge, CA), Milwaukee Area Technical College, and Milwaukee Schools.

Gratitude
I owe so much of my success to my parents, Don and Maureen Grzanna, whose talent, discipline, and unwavering love continue to inspire me every day. Without them, I would not be the musician or the person I am today. For that, I am forever grateful.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The music industry can be incredibly competitive, and there have been moments when I’ve thought about walking away. But my love for music always pulls me back. It’s such a deep part of who I am that I simply can’t imagine life without it.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that God, my family, and music mean the most to me. I feel deeply blessed by the Lord and am truly grateful for His presence and guidance in my life.
My family is my greatest source of love and inspiration. I’m so thankful for my wonderful husband, Christian, and our two amazing children, Audrey and Mason. Every day with them is a gift, and I cherish the memories we create together. I have been so blessed with a supportive family such as Don and Maureen Grzanna, Eileen and Bob, Trudi and Bob, Chris & Mike, Donnie, Mark & Anna, Michelle, Lilly, Trevo and Orie.
Music is also an essential part of who I am. Recording my father’s songs has been a true labor of love, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share his legacy with the world. Collaborating with incredible artists like Oliver Sean (Billboard #8), Justine Blazer (Billboard #18), and Kim Cameron (Billboard Charting Artist) has been such a joy. Reaching #1 on iTunes with several of my releases — including “Midnight Blue,” “Follow Your Heart,” and “Spring Waltz (feat. Alex Otey)” — has been an exciting milestone in my musical journey.
Through it all, my faith, my family, and my music remain the pillars of my life. They guide me, inspiring me, and reminding me every day how truly blessed I am.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m at church, surrounded by faith and a sense of purpose that grounds me. It’s where I can pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper meaning behind everything I do. I also find peace when I’m with my family. Their love and support give me strength, balance, and joy. Sharing quiet moments or laughter with my husband and children reminds me of what truly matters in life.
And then, there’s the peace I feel when I’m improvising a solo, that beautiful moment when the music just flows, and everything else fades away. It’s a kind of spiritual connection, where I’m completely present and free, expressing emotions that words can’t capture. Whether I’m on stage or in the studio, that feeling reminds me why I fell in love with music in the first place.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Ashton Photography LA

Joe Greto – LA

Maria “Sam” Loewenstein Photography – LA

Collen Brah

Bob Mazziotti

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Where does your self-discipline come from?

One of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. We asked some

Productivity
Working hard in 2025: Keeping Work Ethic Alive

While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that

Resilience
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Haters and Doubters

Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made