Dr. Elaine Richardson (‘Dr. E’), has a life story of survival, a mother’s love, and the power of prayer. Chronicling her transformation in the captivating autobiography “PHD to Ph.D., How Education Saved My Life”, Dr. E unreservedly details how trauma led to a downward spiral of abuse, drugs, and human trafficking. This universal story of redemption demonstrates how through the power of education and determination, destructive cycles can be broken and a life story rewritten. In a triumphant celebration of the human spirit, Dr. Elaine Richardson, Professor of Literacy Studies at Ohio State University, author, humanitarian, sought-after lecturer, and incomparable soul singer, shares her spiritually empowering story and organic blues voice to receptive communities, colleges, and venues of all sizes.   

A powerhouse vocalist and songwriter with a whiskey-soaked voice reminiscent of Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Big Mama Thornton, Dr. E puts her own spin on the funk-soul songbook of the 1970s era in an evening of musical memories that is sure to be a hit! Not only paying homage to soul greats like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, funk superstars like Chaka Khan, R&B Goddess Phyllis Hyman and Rock & Roll Queen Tina Turner, and others, are equally represented, backed by a band seasoned with just the right spice to make your audience sit up and take notice! Always empowering, Dr. E ends the evening with original compositions that will leave your audience clamoring for more! One listen and you’ll be hooked!  Three great shows to choose from, full band or tracks.

• Dr. E, From The Soul – If you listened to radio in the 70s, you will thrill with this musical celebration of the soul singers we hold dear: Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Phyllis Hyman and many more!  Dr. E commands the hits just like you remember and inspires with her original compositions.  This funk-soul stroll down memory lane that will leave a smile on your face!

• A Night of Tina & E – From survivor to survivor, Dr. E, the “Inspirational Soul Queen” honors the ‘Queen of Rock & Roll’ Tina Turner in a raw performance that weaves original commentary of common experiences and triumphs in an undeniably heartfelt performance you’ll swear is coming from Tina herself!  Dr. E’s big blues sound soars on Turner classics like no other show in the market!

• “PHD (Po H# on Dope) to Ph.D.: How Education Saved My Life” – Dr E’s autobiography is made for the movies.  Presented as a one-woman show or TEDx style event, the story is a riveting marvel of the power of education, the power of the human spirit and the power of faith, prayer, and never giving up. Acknowledging that she was once an example of someone you would never want to become, (a “Po Ho on Dope”), Elaine Richardson chronicles her upbringing, the choices that once led her down a destructive spiral, and the choices that now lead her into a victorious life of service!