EP 49: Blowing Through Barriers with Ragan Whiteside

Join us on the Jazz Flyte Podcast as Darrell sits down with the extraordinary Ragan Whiteside, a flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon who’s taken the genre by storm. Growing up in Mt. Vernon, NY, Ragan discovered her passion for the flute during a parade and has been unstoppable ever since. She shares her journey, from overcoming the initial challenges of playing the flute to being influenced by legends like Johnny Mathis and Rick James. Ragan's rich musical background includes a degree in classical music performance and an enlightening stint at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She opens up about the unique experiences of being a classical musician and the misconceptions of being a woman in jazz. As an independent artist, Ragan breaks down the business side of music, including the importance of chart positions and income streams. She also gives us a glimpse into her life as a band leader for FAM and the juggling act of time management. With her first album set to release in August 2024, Ragan reflects on her transition from software engineering to full-time music. This episode is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration from one of jazz’s brightest stars. Don’t miss it!