Deborah Silver is a newly GRAMMY®-nominated, two-time #1 Billboard Jazz vocalist whose artistry extends far beyond the stage. She recently earned a GRAMMY nomination alongside the legendary Count Basie Orchestra for Basie Rocks!, a critically acclaimed project that also anchors her nationally broadcast PBS special now airing through 2026. Deeply rooted in the Boca Raton community, Silver is equally known for her philanthropy and leadership through her family’s long-standing business, Silver Companies. In this exclusive Spotlight Magazine interview, she shares insight into her music, mission, and what continues to inspire her journey.
SPOTLIGHT: Congrats on your GRAMMY nod with the Count Basie Orchestra! What was that moment like for you?
SILVER: Thank you so much! Being recognized alongside the legendary Count Basie Orchestra was truly a dream come true. The moment itself was a beautiful mix of
gratitude, excitement, and honestly, a bit of disbelief. We poured our hearts into this music over four years, and to see it resonate on that level is an extraordinary
honor. Jazz has always had a timeless power, and this recognition feels like a reminder of why the music continues to matter. To have peers within our own industry
acknowledge the work as something worthy—that is the highest honor an artist can receive.
SPOTLIGHT: Basie Rocks! is now a PBS special—how does it feel to have your music reaching audiences nationwide?
SILVER: I don’t think it has actually sunk in yet! PBS brings music into living rooms across the country in such a thoughtful, timeless way, and to know Basie Rocks! is reaching people nationwide—many who might not otherwise encounter big band jazz—means everything to me. This project was made with so much heart, and PBS allows that music to travel far beyond the stage. Seeing audiences of all ages and backgrounds respond to the music is incredibly rewarding—it reminds me why I do what I do every day.
SPOTLIGHT: Jazz is timeless, but you bring such a modern, vibrant energy. How do you make it your own?
SILVER: For me, it’s about blending respect for the tradition with my own personal story and influences. I love experimenting with phrasing, dynamics, and emotion while
staying true to the swing and soul of the music. I think jazz lives when it evolves, and my goal is to make it feel fresh and accessible without losing its heart.
SPOTLIGHT: Boca Raton has been a big part of your life. How has the community shaped your music and philanthropy?
SILVER: Boca Raton has truly been the foundation of my life outside of the stage. It’s where I raised my children, built lifelong friendships, and been deeply rooted in community service. Giving back has always been a core value for me and my family. My children were raised with the understanding that success means very little if you’re not helping others along the way. Together, we created many charities, South Florida’s Battle of the Bands to Battle ALS, Miracle for Marjie, SlamALS and more. Philanthropy has remained a thread running through nearly everything I do—my performances, my albums, and my creative choices. My first album, Pure Silver, was recorded specifically to raise funds for ALS research, and I continue to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to help those affected by the disease. That spirit carries forward today. My current album, Basie Rocks!, benefits the Jazz Foundation of America, an organization that provides critical support to musicians who have fallen on hard times. The wonderful people in Boca have stood with me and helped support so many of the charities I have begun where we can all give back in a meaningful way.
SPOTLIGHT: Between music, philanthropy, and Silver Companies, how do you balance it all—and what drives you most?
SILVER: It’s a juggling act, for sure! But I see all these pursuits as different expressions of the same mission: to inspire, uplift, and create meaningful experiences.
Music feeds my soul, philanthropy fuels my heart, and my business ventures give me the structure to make it all sustainable. What drives me most is
making a difference in other people’s lives. I’m very intentional about keeping my music positive and joyful—that’s why my shows are designed to feel
like a celebration. You never know what someone in the audience may be going through, and if I can bring them happiness, even for a little while, then I
truly feel I’ve done my job.
SPOTLIGHT: What’s next for you in 2026—and what excites you most about this next chapter?
SILVER: 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year beginning with bringing my family with me to attend the Grammy® Awards as a first time nominee! I’m
always exploring new recordings and have been asked by several other artists recently to consider some new collaborations. Most importantly, I will
always continue expanding my philanthropic initiatives. In light of the recent hate-crime burning of my hometown synagogue, Beth Israel
Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, I will be performing benefit concerts to help support the rebuilding efforts. It’s personal, it’s emotional, and it
reinforces why I believe music matters. What excites me most about this next chapter is the opportunity to keep using music as a force for connection
to bring people together, to heal, and to help others in meaningful ways. That purpose has never felt clearer to me than it does right now.
