By Bill Forman
Last Word Features

Few musicians have a backstory as unique and inspiring as that of Michael and Tanya Trotter, who record and perform together as The War and Treaty.

Since its 2018 studio debut album “Healing Tide,” The War and Treaty has taken critics and music fans by storm with its powerful mix of gospel, blues, country, pop and R&B.

The husband-and-wife duo will be part of Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz at The Broadmoor. This year’s musicians include Klugh, Kenny G, Boney James, Al Di Meola and Becky Taylor. Concert-only tickets are available by registering online at weekendofjazz.com/broadmoor/tickets. It’s Thursday through Saturday, 1 Lake Ave., weekendofjazz.com/broadmoor.

Recent accomplishments for the Trotters range from performing onstage at the 2024 Grammy Awards and gaining two Grammy nominations for the 2023 album “Lover’s Game” to recording their latest album “Plus One” at Muscle Shoals’ FAME Studio, which was home to legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Etta James and Otis Redding.

All of which is a far cry from what they went through before they met after playing solo sets at a charity event called the Love Festival.

Michael served in the army during the Iraq War and suffered from PTSD well into the couple’s marriage. Tanya had success during the 1990s as an actress and singer as the former Tanya Blount.

While country music has traditionally been a difficult market for African-American artists, the Trotters broke ground in 2023 by being the first Black duo nominated for the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Duo of the Year awards.