Floyd Armstrong is an accomplished musician, performer, and advocate for music therapy, particularly for veterans. With a rich background in gospel, jazz, and therapeutic music, he has dedicated much of his career to blending artistry with healing. His mission is rooted in personal experience, inspired by his father’s struggles with PTSD and the power of music to calm and restore. Floyd’s work includes performing, creating therapeutic programs, and actively working with organizations like the Lions Club and the San Diego Veterans Chamber of Commerce. Read below our exclusive Q & A with talented singer Floyd Armstrong!
Q: Floyd, what first inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how has your style evolved over the years?
Floyd Armstrong – A: I started out singing gospel in church, and it was actually my aunt who encouraged me to join the church choir. By the time I was 16, I had the opportunity to join the ensemble at Lincoln High School, which really helped shape my musical journey.
Q: What are some of the music projects you’re currently focused on?
Floyd Armstrong – A: Right now, I’m focused on several exciting projects. One is All About That Bass, a tribute show celebrating the legendary bass and baritone singers who paved the way—icons like Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole, Melvin Franklin, Barry White, and others. I’m also developing a program called First Fridays for Jazz, which begins with music therapy sessions and then transitions into live jazz performances for our veterans. In addition, I’m collaborating closely with the Lions Club and the San Diego Veterans Chamber of Commerce to expand community outreach and create more opportunities for music to make an impact.
Q: As a performer, where do you usually draw your creative inspiration from?
Floyd Armstrong – A: Lou Rawls, as a balladeer, was the first baritone whose songs I could sing comfortably in his key. And Nat King Cole inspired me deeply with his clarity, annunciation, and flawless articulation.
Q: Beyond your personal projects, you’re also dedicated to Music Therapy for Veterans. How did that mission begin for you?
Floyd Armstrong – A: My father served in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, and he struggled with PTSD. The only thing that seemed to calm him was music, and many nights he would wake me up just to sing to him. Later, I attended a music therapy conference, and it opened my eyes to how powerful music could be in healing. That experience inspired me as an entrepreneur to pursue more effective ways to bring music therapy to veterans.
Q: In your view, what is it about music that makes it such a powerful tool for healing?
Floyd Armstrong – A: Music is truly the soundtrack of our lives—when you hear or sing a song, it brings back memories from long ago. I believe music is a form of medicine. When I discovered that my voice naturally resonated at 432 hertz, I became inspired to use it intentionally with therapeutic frequencies to help others.
Q: What has been one of the most rewarding moments in your journey so far, whether on stage or through your charity work?
Floyd Armstrong – A: Performing with The 5th Dimension was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, especially the joy of seeing people’s smiles all around the world. Equally meaningful has been my solo performances, including a highlight moment with the International Lions, where I sang before more than 8,000 people and received the Crystal Mic Award for taking the convention to another level.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals as both an artist and an advocate for music therapy?
Floyd Armstrong – A: I created RelaxingU.com to become a leading platform for relaxing, therapeutic music—especially to support veterans living with PTSD. Alongside this work, I also perform major concerts for veterans as a solo artist, combining music and healing in a powerful way.
Q: Where can people listen to your music and follow you?
Floyd Armstrong – A: You can find me on YouTube under Floyd Armstrong, visit my website at FloydArmstrong.com, and learn more about our nonprofit at MusicTherapyForVeterans.org.
