Life & Work with Paris Stone of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paris Stone.

Hi Paris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I come from a musical family. My great-uncle was Freddie King, one of the legendary “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar,” and another family member, Ben E. Turner is also a blues musician. Growing up around that legacy definitely inspired me, but it was really my dad who sparked my love for music. He introduced me to a lot of old-school artists, and listening to that music with him shaped my musical taste and appreciation for soulful storytelling.
As I got older, I started exploring performing through theatre. My freshman year of high school, I landed my first play, and from there I performed in productions like The Wiz, Into the Woods, and The Color Purple. Being on stage gave me confidence, taught me how to connect with an audience, and helped me discover who I am as an artist.
Eventually, I shifted my focus from acting to singing and songwriting. I started entering talent competitions like Teen Talent in St. Louis and later Georgia Has Talent after moving to Atlanta. Competing pushed me to grow as a performer, and one of those opportunities led me to record my first single, Past Life. That was a huge milestone because it allowed me to share not only my voice but also my own stories through my music.
For the past three years, I’ve also been giving vocal lessons at a music studio, which has been incredibly rewarding. Teaching has made me a stronger vocalist because it challenges me to understand technique on a deeper level while helping other singers discover their own voices and build confidence. In addition to teaching, I travel and perform with a party band on weekends. Performing regularly keeps me connected to live audiences, sharpens my stage presence, and allows me to continue growing as an entertainer.
I’m currently completing my Music Management degree at Georgia State and will graduate this December. My education has strengthened my practical experience by expanding my knowledge of vocal performance, music theory, songwriting, and the business side of the music industry. Combined with my background as a performer and vocal coach, it has helped me grow into a versatile, well-rounded artist with both creative and industry expertise.
Looking back, every step from growing up in a musical family, acting, competing in talent shows, recording my first song, teaching vocal students, performing with a traveling band, and completing my music degree has helped shape me into the artist I am today. I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to grow, inspire others, and connect with people through my music.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I honestly believe the challenges have made me the artist and person I am today.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn was how to handle rejection. In this industry, you’re going to hear “no” a lot, whether it’s auditions, competitions, or opportunities you really want. Early on, those rejections were hard, but over time I realized that every “no” was an opportunity to grow. Instead of letting it discourage me, I started asking myself, “What can I learn from this? How can I come back stronger?” That mindset has helped me stay motivated to continue improving my craft.
Another challenge has been being one of the youngest people in the room. There have been times when I felt like people underestimated me because of my age or assumed I didn’t have enough experience to contribute. I learned that the best way to earn respect wasn’t by trying to prove people wrong with words, it was by letting my work, my preparation, and my professionalism speak for themselves. I’ve become more confident in using my voice and trusting that my perspective has value.
On a more personal level, music became my safe place during one of the hardest times in my life. When I was younger, my parents were going through a difficult divorce, and there were a lot of emotions that came with that. Music and theatre became my escape. They gave me a place where I could express myself, process what I was feeling, and find peace when life felt uncertain. In many ways, music became my therapy. It helped me heal, and it reminded me that even in difficult seasons, you can create something beautiful from your experiences.
Looking back, I’m grateful for those obstacles because they’ve taught me resilience, patience, and perseverance. They’ve shaped not only the artist I am today but also the person I continue to become. Every challenge has strengthened my passion for music and reinforced why I do this.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in vocal performance, artist development, and live musical storytelling. As a singer and songwriter, my music is deeply rooted in R&B and Soul, drawing inspiration from legendary artists like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Jazmine Sullivan, to name a few. I’ve always been drawn to artists who don’t just sing songs but tell stories through them and that’s exactly the kind of artist I strive to be. I feel that mindset comes from my studies in musical theater. I’m known for my emotional delivery and my ability to create genuine connections with audiences, turning each performance into something personal and unforgettable. My goal is always to create music that doesn’t just sound beautiful in the moment but stays with people long after it ends.
In addition to my own artistry, as I mentioned briefly before, I’ve been a vocal coach at a music studio for the past three years, where I work with aspiring singers to develop their technique, confidence, and stage presence. Teaching has become a major part of my identity as an artist because it allows me to give back while also sharpening my own skills and understanding of vocal performance on a deeper level. It’s also inspired me to begin building my own independent vocal coaching business, where I hope to mentor artists in a more personalized and impactful way. As someone who has experienced both the artistic and educational sides of the industry, I understand the importance of having a mentor who not only teaches the technical aspects of singing but also inspires confidence, authenticity, and resilience. My goal is to empower artists with the tools, knowledge, and encouragement they need to succeed both on and off the stage while building lasting confidence in themselves and their craft.
One of my newest and most exciting experiences has been performing regularly with a live party band on weekends. Being part of a band has challenged me in ways I never expected. I’ve become a more versatile vocalist, a stronger entertainer, and a more confident performer by stepping outside of my comfort zone and performing a wide variety of music. Every show pushes me to think on my feet, engage with different audiences, and bring fresh energy to the stage. It’s helped me discover new strengths as both an artist and a professional.
What I’m most proud of is being able to build a career that blends all of these aspects together performing, writing, teaching, and even acting. One thing I truly value in my own journey is not being placed into a single box. I’m grateful to have a path that allows me to exist as a vocalist, songwriter, performer, educator, and emerging music business professional all at once. I appreciate the freedom of being able to grow in multiple directions without limiting myself to just one identity.
What sets me apart is the combination of my background, my discipline, and my versatility. I come from a strong musical lineage, I’ve trained through both performance and education, and I’ve experienced music in multiple roles as a student, a performer, and a teacher. That balance and perspective allow me to bring depth, authenticity, and purpose into everything I do.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe the qualities that have contributed most to my success are love and patience. Love has always been at the center of who I am. I was raised to lead with love, no matter the situation, and that’s something I’ve carried into every part of my life and career. I truly love what I do, and that passion is what drives me to give my best every time I step on stage, teach a lesson, or create music.
Patience has been just as important, especially through teaching. As a vocal coach, I’ve learned that every student has their own journey and their own way of learning. My job isn’t to rush the process, it’s to meet them where they are, encourage them, and help them grow with confidence. That experience has also reminded me to be patient with myself and trust that growth takes time.
One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is to never change who I am. I’ve been encouraged to continue being a kind and genuine person because the energy you put into the world is often the energy that comes back to you. I try to live by that every day by treating people with kindness, respect, and authenticity.
Whether I’m building my own career or helping someone else discover their voice, I believe that leading with love, showing patience, and staying true to myself are the qualities that have allowed me to keep growing and continue moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialparisstone/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070069868936

Image Credits
Ashley Dot.