Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Brenda Lee Wright McCurdy has always had an affinity for music. Starting at just two years old, she joined her mother, father and two sisters to form the gospel group The Wright Family Singers. McCurdy fondly remembers performing at her local churches and her family’s “singing vacations” where they would travel for a week, performing at several congregations.

As a young adult, McCurdy took a step back from music to focus on her studies. She pursued the sciences – a subject that intrigued her from a young age. Currently, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, a Master of Science Degree in Experimental Biology from the Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University also in Richmond, and a doctoral degree in Immunology and Microbiology from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit Michigan.

Following scientific work in Michigan, McCurdy married former Parliament of Canada member, Dr. Howard McCurdy. The pair settled down in Windsor, Ontario and had four children. Decades after her arrival to Canada, music made a reappearance into McCurdy’s life when she was recruited to sing for a production of Ragtime. After this, she began to perform at local theatres and eateries where she discovered a new love for jazz. This led to her entering the singing program “Celebrations” which took place at the The Clearly Auditorium. There, she met the notable artist Jay Douglas, who later produced her 2013 debut album Follow My Heart. Under the alias “Brynda”, McCurdy’s voice seamlessly blends jazz, R&B, reggae and gospel music to create comprehensive piece that speaks to the soul.

McCurdy has not released any music since her debut and now resides in LaSalle, Ontario. She retired in 2016, after 67 years of service to the United States government. Today, she is committed to honouring her late husband, Dr. Howard McCurdy, who is respected amongst Black Canadians due to his past accomplishments and efforts to fight Anti-Blackness.