Laurel Massé, a renowned American jazz singer, emerged onto the scene on December 29, 1951, in the charming town of Holland, Michigan, situated in the western part of the state.
Massé's affinity for classical music began at a young age, with a profound appreciation for the works of Ludwig van Beethoven, whose compositions would later shape her artistic vision. Additionally, the Beatles, renowned for their innovative and eclectic sound, also played a significant role in inspiring her musical journey. The cello virtuoso Pablo Casals, celebrated for his technical mastery and emotive performances, further contributed to the diverse influences that would mold her artistic identity.
Growing up, Massé was surrounded by the rich sounds of music, with her grandfather, a talented singer who performed with the esteemed Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians, sharing his passion and expertise with her. Her mother, an accomplished opera singer, also had a profound impact on her musical tastes, introducing her to the world of classical music and the art of vocal performance. The cumulative effect of these diverse influences would ultimately shape Massé's unique musical perspective, as she drew inspiration from her family's rich musical heritage.
From a tender age, Massé embarked on a musical journey, initially cultivating her skills on the piano, only to later transition to the cello during her teenage years. This precocious aptitude for music was further augmented by her self-taught proficiency on the guitar, a skill she honed during the 1960s. Furthermore, she was an active participant in her school's choir, and her enthusiasm for music also led her to join various rock bands, fostering a rich musical heritage that would continue to shape her artistic identity throughout her high school years.
It wasn't until she had reached the milestone of her 20th year that Massé stumbled upon the captivating world of jazz, a genre that would soon become an integral part of her life's journey.
In the year 1972, she was plying her trade as a waitress in the bustling metropolis of New York City, where the bright lights and fast-paced atmosphere seemed to fuel her ambitions.
It was during this time that she crossed paths with Tim Hauser, a kindred spirit who was driving a taxi in order to make ends meet.
Unbeknownst to Massé, Hauser harbored a deep-seated desire to become a singer, a passion that had been simmering beneath the surface for some time.
Prior to their chance encounter, Hauser had been a member of a vocal group called the Manhattan Transfer, which had achieved a certain level of success after releasing a single album.
However, the group's momentum had stalled, and Hauser had been left to pick up the pieces, his dreams of stardom momentarily dashed.
It wasn't long after the initial formation of the group that Hauser, the driving force behind the Manhattan Transfer, crossed paths with Janis Siegel, a talented singer with a passion for music, and subsequently, Alan Paul, the final piece of the quartet puzzle, bringing together a diverse range of musical styles and backgrounds. Massé's unique musical experiences and influences, shaped by his exposure to a wide array of genres, including jazz, pop, rock, and swing, perfectly complemented the Manhattan Transfer's eclectic repertoire, which seamlessly blended these styles to create a distinctive sound.
As a prominent vocalist, Cheryl Massé embarked on an illustrious journey with the esteemed Manhattan Transfer, gracing the world stage with her remarkable talent, captivating audiences globally through mesmerizing performances, and achieving unparalleled commercial success, with album sales reaching millions, until a life-altering car accident in 1979.
As a result of this transformative experience, Massé was compelled to reassess her life within the group, leading her to contemplate a solo career, a path that would ultimately shape the trajectory of her artistic endeavors and personal growth.
As the year 1981 unfolded, Massé made the momentous decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Chicago, where she would embark on a new chapter in her musical journey. It was during this time that she had the privilege of collaborating with the talented Judy Roberts, a singer and pianist who would prove to be a valuable mentor and guide. Under Roberts' tutelage, Massé began to hone her craft, performing in various clubs and venues throughout the city. This exposure helped to lay the groundwork for her future success, and in 1984, she released her debut solo album, Alone Together, on the esteemed Pausa label. The album's release marked a significant milestone in Massé's career, and she subsequently embarked on a comprehensive tour of the United States and Canada, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the music world.
During the 1990s, Massé redirected her artistic endeavors to concentrate on classical and Celtic music, relocating to the picturesque town of North Creek, situated within the majestic Adirondack Mountains of New York.
As her passion for music continued to evolve, she began to share her expertise with others by teaching at the renowned Ashokan Music and Dance Camp in 1997. This marked the beginning of her distinguished teaching career, which would later extend to the prestigious International Cabaret Conference at Yale University in 2004.
Noted soprano Massé has expanded her impressive pedagogical repertoire by teaching at the esteemed Dartmouth College, as well as the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in England, thus further solidifying her reputation as a master teacher.
