Aretha Scruggs, M.A.

Adjunct Professor, Department of Commercial Music

Photo of Aretha Scruggs, M.A.

Biography

Aretha Scruggs, M.A., is a jazz/gospel singer residing in Los Angeles when she’s not touring the world. She started singing at age 4 with her family group, The Scruggs Sisters, which also included her three sisters and their parents, Melvin and Wanda Scruggs, on accompanying piano and bass. They opened for world-renowned artists such as The Clark Sisters, Commissioned, Yolanda Adams, and Vickie Winans (to name a few), and were awarded the prestigious opportunity to sing for historic events such as Rosa Park’s 80th birthday party and the Tuskegee Airmen’s Congressional banquet.

After graduating from UCLA, she, along with her twin sister, Alayna, went on to tour as background singers for Natalie Cole and later Christina Aguilera and Anita Baker. Whether television or live shows, she has also supported diva vocal legends Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and Patti LaBelle, neo-soul powerhouses Jill Scott and India.Arie, and pop producers/artists Justin Timberlake and Pharrell. She has also sung with such gospel greats as Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton, Tye Tribbett, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, and Yolanda Adams.

Education

  • M.A., Cross Cultural Studies (Emphasis in Ethnomusicology and Global Worship), Fuller Theological Seminary
  • B.S., Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles

Academic Area

  • School of Music (College of the Arts)

Expertise

  • Commercial Voice

Courses Taught

  • MUS 111 – Applied Voice

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