[1] Although she has had some success in the mainstream R&B, pop, gospel and classical music scenes, she is noted for her talents as a contemporary jazz singer.

In contemporary jazz she is noted for her delivery, control, range, improvisational vocal percussion, scatting ability and access to the whistle register.

[1] From 1975 to 1990, Ferrell sang backup for Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle, and Vanessa Williams.

In the same year, she also appeared as backup vocalist on Miles Jaye's song "Desiree".

The album spawned the singles "Til You Come Back to Me", "Welcome to My Love", "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This", and "With Open Arms".

Ferrell also appeared as a backing vocalist on his albums Illusions (1995) and Is Love Enough?

In 2006, Ferrell released a song titled "Wounds in the Way" on the Madea's Family Reunion soundtrack.

"[2][7] In 1992, Ferrell filed a lawsuit against a production company, which was settled out of court in 2000.