Tanya Dennis' musical career began in earnest while she was attending the University of Miami, where she studied music as well as fronting an R&B/funk band and singing with jazz, Latin, and country acts. Upon earning her degree in 1986, Dennis chose to return to her home state of Tennessee, relocating to Nashville to pursue a career and putting together a band with whom she would perform regionally for the next four years. During this time, Dennis also became a staff vocalist, providing demo vocals for other aspiring artists and singing on television commercials. She received her break in 1993 when one of the demos on which she appeared came to the attention of a noted Nashville record producer, and she was invited to join Faith Hill's touring band as a backup singer. The opportunity led to more road work with artists like Bill Anderson, Eddy Raven, and Wade Hayes, as well as the chance to appear as an opening act for Reba McEntire, Leann Rimes, and Little Texas. In 1997, while touring as a member of Skip Ewing's band, Dennis was offered a management deal by Ewing's manager which led to the independent release Waterdance two years later; the album included a duet with Survivor keyboardist and songwriter Jim Peterik. ~ Tom Demalon, Rovi
