Ernestine Anderson

Ernestine Anderson grew up singing in the church in Houston where she developed her heartfelt gift for jazz and blues. When the family relocated to Seattle, where she still makes her home, Ms. Anderson sang with a variety of bands, forming lasting relationships with swing and jazz greats including Quincy Jones. She later shared the stage with Quincy as a member of Lionel Hampton's legendary band.
Ms. Anderson's solo debut, Hot Cargo, was recorded in 1956 in Sweden and immediately released in the United States. Part of jazz history, she played the very first Monterey Jazz Festival in 1958. The following year Down Beat Critics' Poll declared her New Vocal Star of 59. Showered with honors and accolades, she was featured in Time magazine; gave a command performance at the White House; received two Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Performance in 1981 and 1983; and a 1983 release was Jazztimes' pick as one of their Top Ten Albums of that year.
Her most recent album, Now and Then, is a timeless traveling exhibition of both the past and present that displays a musi cal canvas of warmth and intuitive sensitivity, colored and shaped by one of the great masters of melody in jazz and blues today.

   Anderson Discography

The artist profiles on these pages were excerpted from the Carnegie Hall Tribute program. We present them here in an effort to recognize the artists that keep the music of Lady Ella alive through their repertoire.