“There’s been no higher call in my life than to share God’s love through music.”
The Performing Artist (TPA) was delighted to interview this multitalented singer and musician. Her album Higher Call is steadily finding its way into the hearts of listeners. Enjoy this insightful conversation as Dana Diane discusses her recording process, creative inspirations, and the divine guidance that shaped her journey.
TPA: Your debut album Higher Call is already making waves on iHeart Radio. What inspired you to create this project, and what does it represent in your personal journey?
Dana Diane: My life has always been about using my gifts to reach others. As a professional singer, this album gave me the opportunity to share my heart more deeply through music. Each song represents a different aspect of my journey, and I love sharing the stories behind them in hopes that others will find encouragement, hope, and meaning in their own lives.
TPA: You’ve been compared to vocal powerhouses like Celine Dion and Amy Grant. How do you balance technical excellence with emotional storytelling in your music?
Dana Diane: First of all, I’m very humbled and honored by comparisons to such great singers! I love to sing and was fortunate to receive exceptional training from a vocal instructor affiliated with the Metropolitan Opera. He taught me how to sing all kinds of music, and that foundation gave me the confidence to pursue my singing career. I’ve also always been a storyteller. From a young age, I loved connecting with people—whether at school, church, or in my community. So when I became a singer, it felt natural to combine that love for communication with my music. That’s how my concert work began, and it’s taken me to places I could have only imagined. My calling is to share stories and experiences through the emotion in the songs I perform.
TPA: Many fans are surprised to learn you’re also an accomplished organist. How has mastering both the pipe and theater organ shaped your artistry?
Dana Diane: This question always makes me smile. When I was 7 years old, my mom asked if I wanted to take organ lessons. She and my grandmother both played by ear, so I figured I was next in line. I actually wanted to learn piano like my friends, and at the time, I thought playing the organ was a little “nerdy.” But I gave it a try—and I ended up loving it. I became proficient on the theater organ early and later began playing the pipe organ in high school. While it may not have been the trendiest instrument, it gave me amazing opportunities. I performed at incredible venues, like the Frauenthal Theater in my hometown, where I played powerful pieces like Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. For my senior recital, I was honored to perform Charles Widor’s Toccata—a piece I studied for over a year. Learning those instruments helped me develop musical sensitivity and expressiveness. The organ is like an orchestra in itself, and it shaped how I approach music even as a vocalist. I also play piano now and still enjoy playing both types of organ.
TPA: You’ve performed with legends like Bob Hope, Kenny Rogers, and Lee Greenwood. What lessons or moments from those experiences have stayed with you?
Dana Diane: I’ve had some truly unforgettable experiences performing with legends like those—plus Wayne Newton, who invited me to sing for his fan club in Las Vegas and welcomed me into his show and home. One of the most meaningful memories was sitting in the green room with Bob Hope before a show. I was beyond nervous. I happened to remember a joke someone told me and decided to share it. He laughed so hard—and later mentioned it on stage, saying I had made him laugh. That moment was magic. Every artist I’ve worked with taught me something valuable about professionalism, grace, and longevity. I’ll always be grateful.
TPA: You’ve held multiple pageant titles and placed in the top ten at Miss Michigan. How did your time in the Miss America Scholarship Program influence your approach to performance?
Dana Diane: That experience changed my life. I originally entered the talent competition as an organist, but one year my mentor encouraged me to sing instead. I thought she was crazy—I didn’t think of myself as a singer at the time. But I took her advice, sang “Amazing Grace,” and ended up winning my first local title and the talent competition. That’s when I realized that music was more than something I loved—it was something I was meant to pursue. In my final year competing, I performed a gospel rendition of “Because He Lives” and won the state talent competition. Although I completed my degree in Broadcasting, my heart had shifted. My musical path officially began.
TPA: “Higher Call,” the title track of your album, carries a strong message. What do you hope listeners take away from this song in particular?
Dana Diane: I chose Higher Call as the album’s name because that’s exactly what this journey has felt like—a higher calling to use my voice to uplift and inspire. I hope listeners come away from the song feeling encouraged to follow their own path with courage and faith. We’re all called to something greater.
TPA: As a multi-genre artist, how do you decide what style or sound best expresses your message in a given song or performance?
Dana Diane: That depends on the setting, the audience, and how I’m feeling in the moment. Sometimes I’ll plan a set of songs ahead of time, but then change direction mid-performance if I sense the energy shifting—or if something in me says it’s time to pivot. I love all kinds of music, and I try to stay open to what feels honest in the moment.
TPA: You’ve become a sought-after National Anthem performer for major sports franchises. How do you prepare for high-stakes moments like those?
Dana Diane: There’s nothing like singing the National Anthem in a packed stadium. It’s emotional, it’s electric, and it’s a huge honor. I prepare as much as I can—and then I just soak it all in. That said, there was one time it didn’t go quite as planned. I had sung for the Detroit Pistons several times, and a few of the players decided to mess with me a little before the performance. Their jokes threw me off, and for the first time ever, I forgot the words mid-song! Thankfully, I recovered quickly and filled in with something similar until I found my place again. I’ll never forget the lyrics now!
TPA: The emotion in Higher Call feels deeply personal. Were there any challenges or breakthroughs you faced while recording this project?
Dana Diane: During the recording of the album, I felt the presence of God so strongly—He helped me choose each song, and I knew He was with me in every moment. I had limited time in the studio, so I decided to forego the usual method of “punching in.” That meant I had to record each song in one full take. At the time, that seemed almost impossible. But once I stepped into the booth, I had a peace about it—I knew God would guide me through. And He did. Every track was recorded in a single take except for “Upon This Rock,” which I recorded twice. I chose the second take because it truly captured what I felt in my heart. Listening to the album now, I can say with certainty that I could not have done it without God’s help. That’s one of the reasons this album is so special to me—it’s not just a collection of songs; it’s a testimony of how He walked with me through every note. It was a powerful experience.
TPA: What’s next for you? Are there upcoming shows, music videos, or future recordings we can look forward to?
Dana Diane: Now that Higher Call has reached audiences I never expected, I’m entering a new season. I recently filmed a music video for “America, Keep Holding to God’s Hand,” and I’ve written several original songs that will be released as part of an upcoming EP. I have big dreams, but I also want to follow the path that’s truly meant for me. Whatever comes next—whether it’s more concerts, studio work, or unexpected opportunities—I’m ready for it.
To learn more about Dana Diane, please visit: danadiane.com