Marion Powers is a six-time DownBeat Award-winning jazz vocalist whose dynamic improvisation, fresh and modern arranging style, and sensitive songwriting have earned her recognition nationwide—not only as a performer but also as a sought-after educator. While deeply inspired by legendary jazz vocalists such as Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, and Sarah Vaughan, Marion’s artistry has been further shaped through mentorships and collaborations with Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Marshall Gilkes, Johnaye Kendrick, and Melissa Aldana.

She holds both bachelor's and master’s degrees in jazz performance from the University of North Texas (UNT), where she studied with acclaimed vocalists and educators Rosana Eckert and Jennifer Barnes. During her time at UNT, she served as the lead vocalist for the Grammy-nominated One O’clock Lab Band. In 2018, she was selected as the featured vocalist for the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy Big Band under the mentorship of McBride and Reeves. The following year, she was named as one of Jazz Education Network’s Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Quintet, working closely with pianist Ellen Rowe and baritone saxophonist Claire Daly.

Marion's Downbeat Awards include recognition as Outstanding Vocalist for her work with the UNT Jazz Singers and for her direction of the UNT’s vocal jazz ensemble, Avenue C as well as UNC’s Northern Colorado Voices. Since then, she has mentored and directed several award-winning students and ensembles.

Equally dedicated to teaching and performing, Marion served as a full-time teaching fellow in Vocal Jazz at the University of North Texas and was hired as an adjunct voice instructor immediately after completing her graduate studies in 2019. In 2021, she relocated to Colorado to join the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado, where she is the primary instructor of jazz voice. She also maintains a worldwide private voice studio and continues to be in demand as both a live and studio vocalist. Marion performs regularly with her band and records on a variety of projects with musicians across the country.