Born on a chilly winter morning, December 12, 1941, in the charming city of Troy, New York, Timothy DuPron Hauser embarked on a life journey that would ultimately lead him to become a renowned singer and the pioneering force behind the iconic vocal group, The Manhattan Transfer.
At the tender age of 15, Hauser embarked on a professional singing career, taking the first steps towards realizing his musical aspirations. This marked the inception of his journey as a vocalist, as he co-founded a doo-wop quartet aptly named The Criterions. With this group, Hauser recorded not one, but two singles, showcasing his remarkable vocal talents to the world. Moreover, he had the distinction of appearing on the esteemed Big Beat Show, a prestigious platform that was expertly hosted by the renowned Alan Freed.
In the year 1959, a significant milestone was reached in the life of Hauser as he embarked on a new academic journey by entering Villanova University, a prestigious institution of higher learning. It was during this time that he had the foresight and entrepreneurial spirit to collaborate with two like-minded individuals, Tommy West and Jim Ruf, to form a folk music group, which they aptly named the Troubadours Three.
Notable Individual's Professional Journey: Following the completion of his academic pursuits at Villanova University in 1963, a distinguished gentleman by the name of Hauser embarked upon a remarkable career path, initially devoting his skills and expertise to the United States Air Force and subsequently, the New Jersey Air National Guard. Subsequently, he transitioned into the realm of marketing, where he flourished as a market research analyst within the esteemed advertising agency, Sullivan, Stauffer, Colwell, and Bayles.
Between the years 1966 and 1968, Hauser held a prominent managerial position within the Market Research Department, serving as a vital cog in the Special Products Division of the esteemed Nabisco corporation.
In the year 1969, Hauser's entrepreneurial spirit was piqued as he founded the inaugural iteration of the renowned vocal ensemble, The Manhattan Transfer. This pioneering group went on to record a single album, aptly titled Jukin', which was released through the prestigious Capitol Records label.
Hauser, a determined individual, took on a part-time job as a taxi driver to help sustain himself financially as he relentlessly pursued his passion for music. It was through this occupation that he crossed paths with Laurel Massé, a charming waitress and aspiring vocalist, who shared his enthusiasm for music. Together, they joined forces to revitalize the iconic vocal group, The Manhattan Transfer, alongside Janis Siegel and Alan Paul, in the year 1972.
Following a catastrophic vehicular mishap, Massé made the difficult decision to bid farewell to the group, paving the way for the arrival of Cheryl Bentyne in 1978, who seamlessly assumed the vacant role. The quintet's lineup remained remarkably consistent, with only minor adjustments necessitated by instances of illness, until the untimely passing of Hauser.
The iconic American music group, The Manhattan Transfer, boasts an impressive array of accolades, having garnered a total of 10 prestigious Grammy Awards throughout their illustrious career. Moreover, this esteemed ensemble was honored with a special induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in the year 1995, a testament to their enduring legacy and impact on the music world.
