Anthony Artis
/ Artist
Originally published on July 1, 2021 1:50 pm
If you know of Endea Owens, there's a good chance you know her as house bassist for
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Her role in that setting is foundational, laying the groove that gives bandleader Jon Batiste room to soar. But there's another way Owens holds it down at street level, and it reflects a conviction flowing out of her own experience.
Owens came up in Detroit with a loving family that endured financial hardship. She found a jazz mentor there in bassist and educator Rodney Whitaker, who recognized her talent straightaway. She ended up in New York City to attend Juilliard, quickly making an impression — and not only on peers like Batiste. Lincoln Center anointed her one of its Emerging Artists of 2019.