Raised in Detroit, Michigan, the cradle of ‘feel good’ music, Cynthia began singing at an early age, honing her vocal gifts in the church. By age eighteen, Cynthia had already made her first professional appearance before an audience of 10,000 at the Danny Thomas, St. Jude Charities Fundraiser. As her career progressed, she joined the singing group “Brandye” and completed a US tour with Peabo Bryson.
Cynthia has lent her “velvet” pipes to more than 20 gold and platinum albums with artists such as Peabo Bryson, Bob Seger, George Clinton, The Dramatics, Johnnie Taylor, Millie Jackson, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis; and enjoyed the privilege of working with renowned producers Don Davis and Jerry Wexler. In addition to lending her vocal talents to recorded albums, Cynthia has over 2,000 studio recordings to her credit, including radio and television jingles.
Cynthia’s vocal range spans a multitude of music styles including Jazz, Blues, R&B, Pop and Gospel. As a member of Brandye, she performed with Bob Hope at the St. Jude’s Charities Fundraiser in Detroit, and as a solo artist at The Nuggett in Sparks, Nevada and holds the distinction of being the only artist to sell out the Artiz jazz club in Folsom, CA which hosted the likes of Joyce Cooling and Fattburger. Cynthia also performs at jazz festivals including the Meadowview Jazz Festival, the Oak Park Summer Concert Series and the internationally renowned Sacramento Jazz Jubilee.
She currently resides in Elk Grove, California; and regularly performs to sold out audiences at local venues including the Crocker Art Museum, the California State Fair, JB’s Lounge, Auburn State Theater, and Mango’s Jazz Club. For several years, Cynthia was a lead singer for “Harlee and the Sugardaddies” and she enjoys continued success with her latest CD release, Dreaming in Burgundy.
Cynthia’s inspirational performances come from her passion for music and the belief that good music comes from the heart and soul. This may explain her accolade as the 2005 Sounds of Soul’s Best Female Jazz Performer. Cynthia is truly a class act and her talent speaks for itself.