Born in the East End of London, virtuoso vocalist, actor and composer Cleveland Watkiss studied voice at The London school of singing with Opera coach Arnold Rose and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Cleveland was also one of the co-founders of the vastly influential Jazz Warriors Big Band.
Cleveland’s amazing vocal virtuosity has seen him perform with many diverse artists from around the world. He is also a very keen Music Educator, working as a voice instructor with workshops in Venues/Schools, colleges and Universities around the UK.
More recently, demonstrating great versatility, Cleveland was given the starring role in both Julian Joseph’s groundbreaking Jazz Opera Bridgetower, and Shadowball his performances being met with considerable acclaim. He continues to perform in many of the major concert halls around the world with VocalSuite which is a solo voice performance and with his new Quartet CWQ
“Best male jazz singer in Britain”…Evening Standard
Winner of the London Awards best Jazz Vocalist 2010
Voted Wire/Guardian Jazz Awards best vocalist for three consecutive years.