An avid singer and songwriter, this Chicago native has what very few vocalists of her kind possess…undeniable talent, sex appeal…. killer vocal and songwriting skills, and an undying drive and will to succeed. She is history in the making…She is Carla Prather.
A Chicago native, Carla has paid her dues in full. She has graced the stages of numerous venues in Chicago and abroad, has scores of fans worldwide awaiting her next move as an artist and songwriter, and can easily be found all over the web. Get to know her…quickly.
At an early age she earnestly honed her craft, like many soulful artists of her kind, in church. She spent countless Sunday mornings penning the greatest of hymns and spirituals. From then on, Carla had an ever growing desire to be a professional recording artist and performer. After a chance meeting with Frank Orrall, mastermind of Poi Dog Pondering, she was invited to become a member of Poi Dog Pondering, recording vocals for the "Natural Thing" release and soon joined the band as a full time member. Carla began performing across the U.S. and abroad with POI traveling as far as Hawaii sharing her craft. Carla went on to record "Soul Sonic Orchestra" with Poi, and wrote six songs for the "In Seed Comes Fruit" album including "You Move Me", "Hotel Seze", "Hangover", "Daytrippin", "So Real", and "Sleepover".
Carla soon began creating a buzz throughout the Chicago music circuit, as vocalist with “pipes” winning the hearts of many. Clubs like the Cotton Club, The Vic Theater, The Park West, The Green Dolphin Street Café, Double Door, the Metro, the District, and many more became home to her as she could often be found performing with Poi Dog Pondering and her solo house project, Mr. Ali. She also found a way to keep her name in the mouths of many writing and creating music with the likes of some of the city’s hottest producers and songwriters including club legends Maurice Joshua, Byron Stringily (Ten City) and Hula Mahone (Outhere Brothers), in addition to Eric E. Smooth Miller, M. DOC, Mike Dunn, Terry Hunter, Vincent Lawrence, Vic Lavender, Jere McAllister Anthony Nicholson, D. J. Boxx, Mel Hammond, and many more…Carla was paying dues.