Syndee Winters, a celebrated Broadway star and rising jazz vocalist, is set to release a tribute album titled 'Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne' on June 30, marking what would have been Lena Horne's 108th birthday. The album, distributed worldwide by The Orchard/Sony Music, is a 10-track homage to Horne, an icon known for her contributions as a singer, actress, and activist.
Winters, who was the 1st Runner-Up in the 2024 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, brings a unique blend of Broadway polish and deep jazz roots to this project. Executive produced by Eulis Cathey and associate produced by Carl Griffin, the album features reimagined classics like 'Stormy Weather' and 'If You Believe', alongside 'Alive', an original composition by Andromeda Turre that explores resilience.
The project also showcases collaborations with renowned jazz musicians, including Michael Eckroth, Freddie Hendrix, and Warren Wolf, among others. Winters' interpretation of Horne's work is not just a musical endeavor but a personal journey, as she credits Horne with helping her believe in her own voice.
Known for her roles in 'Hamilton', 'Motown', and 'The Lion King' on Broadway, Winters' vocal control and interpretive nuance are set to shine in this jazz tribute. Her performances with the LA Philharmonic, Boston Pops, and National Symphony Orchestra add an eclectic depth to her approach to Horne's legacy.
As a Caribbean American artist, Winters embodies the cultural dimensions Horne stood for—elegance, excellence, and evolution. Fans can experience Winters' tribute live at LACMA's Jazz Fridays Series in Los Angeles on July 25 and at the NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison's Second Annual Quantum Leap Music Festival in August.
This album is more than a collection of songs; it's a celebration of Lena Horne's enduring influence and a testament to Winters' emergence as a vital new voice in the lineage of great vocalists.
