A native of Ashton, Ontario, Kellylee Evans was doing her masters in Law when she got lost at Carleton University and found herself in the music department. Six years later, she released her debut album, fight or flight? (2006), which earned her Juno and Gemini Award nominations as well as the title of Best Female Artist at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. A second place win at the 2004 Thelonius Monk Jazz Vocals Competition, with Quincy Jones and Al Jarreau judging, led to her signing with a French record label, Plus Loin Music, to make Nina, a tribute to Nina Simone and winner of the 2011 Juno Award for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year. She has toured France and North America opening for performers such as George Benson, Tony Bennett, and Maceo Parker.