Shirley Crabbe, a jazz vocalist, sings songs that touch the heart. Shirley Crabbe was inspired as a teenager by Ella Fitzgerald’s performance of “A Tisket, A Tasket”, in an old Abbot and Costello film. “I have always loved singing and when I heard Ella perform, I knew that jazz singing was what I wanted to do.” Shirley moved to Illinois to complete a Bachelor of Music at Northwestern University. She then returned to New York to continue her studies at the Manhattan School of Music (MSM). She studied classical music in the morning at MSM. In the evenings, she would travel downtown to perform jazz in the clubs. Shirley has performed at jazz clubs, festivals, and concert series throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. She has performed at Harlem’s finest Jazz venues, such as Minton’s and Lenox Lounge. There, to sold-out audiences, she performed music from her first CD Home. She has performed at Birdland’s renowned jazz club Birdland and the Metropolitan Room. Shirley was once the opening act for jazz legend Abby Lincoln. She has recorded with Houston Person, the soulful jazz saxophonist. Shirley has also performed with Jamil Nasser and the legendary jazz pianist Harold Mabern. She was among the five finalists in Jazzmobile’s 2010 “Best of the Best” Jazz Vocalist Competition, held in New York City. She was also awarded the County Executive Performing Artist Award in 2009 by Rockland County. Shirley was also named the Stanton Bronze Medalist at the 2008 American Traditions Vocal Competition, Savannah International Music Festival, Georgia. Shirley is a versatile performer. She has performed in many stage productions, including Coming to the Mercy Seat at Shetler Studio’s Theater 54 as the Poet. She also appeared in Ain’t Misbehavin’ At the Elmwood.eater where she played the role of Armelia. She is featured soloist on The Mystic Pilgrims’ jazz CD Africa. Shirley released her debut album Home on September 27, 2011. The album remained on Jazz Week Album Chart for 26 weeks, with 6 weeks Chartbound. from www.shirleycrabbe.com
