Cheryl Bentyne

Cheryl Bentyne
Born (1954-01-17) January 17, 1954
Mount Vernon, Washington, U.S.
Origin Seattle, Washington
Genres Vocal jazz
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments Singing
Years active 1975–present
Labels Columbia, Telarc, Summit
Associated acts New Deal Rhythm Band, The Manhattan Transfer
Website At Manhattan Transfer

Cheryl Bentyne (born January 17, 1954 in Mount Vernon, Washington) is a Grammy-winning singer best known as a member of the vocal quartet The Manhattan Transfer.

Early years

Born into a musical family, Bentyne started singing at the age of 13. At the encouragement of her mother she joined her father's Dixieland and swing band, performing weekends at the local Elks Lodge. She honed her stage skills and developed her jazz and swing-style singing. Following graduation from Mount Vernon High School, Bentyne enrolled at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon. After studying theatre and music there she moved south to Seattle. While in the Seattle area she joined the New Deal Rhythm Band as the only female and singer, playing in local clubs as well as in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. After four years with the New Deal Rhythm Band, she moved to Los Angeles.

The Manhattan Transfer

In 1978 Bentyne auditioned with The Manhattan Transfer and became the permanent replacement for singer Laurel Massé, who had been injured in an automobile accident. Her first appearance with the group was on the album Extensions (1979). The cover version of "Birdland" won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance, the first Grammy won by The Manhattan Transfer. With the group Bentyne won ten Grammys. She also won Grammys for her arrangement of "Another Night in Tunisia" and for writing the song "Sassy".

Solo career

While still a member of The Manhattan Transfer, Bentyne recorded the album Duets with bassist Rob Wasserman. In 1991, she collaborated with trumpeter Mark Isham on the soundtrack for the movie Mortal Thoughts. She released her debut solo album, Something Cool, in 1992.

In 2000 Bentyne recorded and released an album from her musical revue based on the music and wit of Cole Porter, Dreaming of Mister Porter. Her 2004 Talk of the Town album featured pianist Kenny Barron, saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, flugelhornist Chuck Mangione, percussionist Don Alias and drummer Lewis Nash. Bentyne's 2005 album, Let Me Off Uptown, is a tribute to Anita O'Day.

In 2001, she dropped out of Manhattan Transfer to be treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma. She was replaced by Margaret Dorn.[1]

In 2014, Bentyne was a judge and mentor for the Songbook Academy, a summer program for high school students operated by the Great American Songbook Foundation and founded by Michael Feinstein.[2]

Discography

References

  1. ↑ Manhattan Transfer, November 28, 2013. "Ladies and Gentlemen ... Margaret Dorn!". Manhattan Transfer Official Site. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
  2. ↑ broadwayworld.com, 25 July 2014. "High School Vocalists Set for Michael Feinstein's 2014 Great American Songbook Competition Tonight". Retrieved 21 June 2015.

External links

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