About Me

Singers rarely hang it up when they turn 60, but it’s unusual for a card carrying member of AARP to kick a career into high gear at that stage of life. But, that’s just what international recording artist and entertainer Sylvia Bennett just did.

Releasing a new album last year, creating two new shows and recording a new CD for release in 2008 is Bennett’s way of celebrating life.

For years Bennett has been lauded for her silky smooth voice, clear and bright tone and her warm personality. Now, critics and fans alike are wondering how her voice sounds like that of a younger woman and she exudes more passion than ever on her CDs and in live performances.

Giant of the jazz world and king of the vibraphone Lionel Hampton knew a gifted performer when he heard one. After discovering Sylvia Bennett in the early 1980’s, the two went on to perform together for 10 years and recorded two albums. The first recording, “Sentimental Journey,” was nominated for a Grammy in 1987.

The second project, “There Will Never Be Another You” was released in 2006 in the form of a CD and DVD set as a tribute to the late “Hamp” from Bennett. A show was created in 2007 to honor Hampton, called “The Lady and The Legend,” and premiered at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.

Bennett is way beyond the years of sensation Michael Buble and is quite junior to the still incredible Tony Bennett (no relation). She agrees with Buble who says that jazz and standards are America’s best gifts to the world of music.

The newest CD, to be released in 2008, is called “Songs from the Heart, featuring the Three Tenors.” Bennett’s vocals are complemented by the gifted tenor saxophonists, Boots Randolph, Ed Calle and Kirk Whalum.

“Songs from the Heart” showcases Bennett’s soft, romantic side. Bennett says she is “unplugged, transparent and her soul is exposed” on the new release.

The Italian born, American raised Bennett sings in other languages including French, Spanish and Italian and shares that love of languages in her shows.

Like Lionel Hampton always said, “man, the lady can sing, her magic gets to the ears and hearts of the audience.”

Sylvia Bennett has a whole lot more to give to audiences everywhere.