Born on Christmas Day in Detroit, Michigan, flutist Althea René began her musical journey at just four years old. Classically trained at Howard University, she balanced an unconventional dual life early in her career—working by day as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff while performing in Detroit jazz clubs by night.

Today, René is recognized internationally as a premier soul-jazz flutist and a full-time performing artist. She endorses the hand-sculpted Altus Flute and has carved out a reputation as a bold improviser and stage presence. Often dubbed the "Maceo of the flute" by fellow artists, her playing draws from a deep well of funk and soul—a legacy she credits in part to her father, Dezie McCullers, one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers.

René’s breakthrough came in 2013 with the release of In the Flow, a collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Michael Broening. The title track, which she co-wrote, made history as the first flute-led single to top both the Billboard and Smooth Jazz charts, holding the No. 1 spot for several weeks and cementing her place as a pioneering voice in contemporary jazz.

Across her career, René has released ten solo projects and contributed to numerous collaborations with industry heavyweights. Her dedication to both craft and community has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she was honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her impactful work beyond the stage.

René is also an advocate for women in the music industry. In 2018, she published Becoming Chocolate Barbie: A Guide for Professional Women in the Music Business, a candid, interview-style autobiography offering advice and mentorship for aspiring female artists. Part memoir, part manual, the book reflects René’s commitment to lifting others as she continues to blaze new trails.