Kindred the Family Soul, the Philadelphia-based husband-and-wife duo of Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon, have carved a unique niche in the neo-soul landscape with their heartfelt explorations of love, family, and community. Their music resonates with authenticity, drawing from personal experiences to create relatable and soulful narratives.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Fatin Dantzler, a Philadelphia native, began his musical journey writing songs for artists such as Pebbles and Bell Biv DeVoe. Aja Graydon, hailing from Washington, D.C., secured a solo record deal at just 15 years old. Introduced in 1997 through The Roots’ production camp, their professional collaboration quickly blossomed into a romantic partnership, leading to marriage in 1998.
Initially focusing on family life, they eventually returned to music, performing together at Philadelphia’s Black Lily club. Their performances caught the attention of neo-soul artist Jill Scott, who introduced them to Hidden Beach Recordings, setting the stage for their recording career.
Musical Career and Discography
Kindred the Family Soul’s debut album, Surrender to Love (2003), featured the hit single “Far Away” and earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B/Soul Album. Their sophomore effort, In This Life Together (2005), drew inspiration from the memoir of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, delving into themes of marital commitment and everyday life.
Subsequent albums, including The Arrival (2008) and Love Has No Recession (2011), showcased their evolving sound and featured collaborations with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Raheem DeVaughn, and Bilal. Their 2016 release, Legacy of Love, included the socially conscious single “All My People,” which resonated with audiences both in the US and the UK. In 2021, they released Auntie & Unc, continuing their tradition of blending personal narratives with broader social themes.
Themes and Impact
Kindred the Family Soul’s music is characterized by its exploration of love, family dynamics, and social consciousness. Their lyrics often reflect their own experiences as a married couple raising six children, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into their lives. Their commitment to authenticity and emotional honesty has earned them comparisons to legendary duos like Ashford & Simpson and Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.
Beyond their musical contributions, Dantzler and Graydon have engaged audiences through initiatives such as their web series “Six Is It!”, which documents their family life and creative process. Their dedication to portraying the complexities of love and family has solidified their status as influential figures in contemporary R&B.
Today, the band continues to inspire with their soulful melodies and heartfelt storytelling at each Kindred the Family Soul concert. Their unwavering focus on love, unity, and authenticity ensures their music remains both timeless and relevant.
See Kindred the Family Soul at Main Street Crossing
See Kindred the Family Soul perform in an intimate setting at Main Street Crossing (MSC) on June 14, 2025, at 4 and 8 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.
MSC in Tomball, Texas, is one of the best small music venues in the Houston metro area. This unique nonprofit in a historic venue hosts country, Americana, folk, blues, and other types of music artists in an intimate setting: The furthest seat is only 45 feet from the stage. MSC also offers food, beverages, table service, and community seating, making it easier to interact with fellow concertgoers and even performing artists. Parking is convenient and stress-free.
MSC also functions as a multiuse venue for church services, concerts, and more in Tomball. Check out our event calendar, and enjoy entertainment in support of good causes!
