Blessed with “a voice of phenomenal beauty” (Stephen Holden, New York Times), Jane Monheit has had plenty of milestone moments in establishing herself as one of today’s best and most important vocalist/musicians.

Jane Monheit credits Ella Fitzgerald as a primary musical influence but not so much for Ella’s style, which indelibly helped shape vocal jazz for every generation that followed. “What I really got from Ella is her warmth, her charm, the joy she puts in her music,” Jane says. “I learned that it’s okay to sing from a very happy place. I think there is a misconception that this kind of singing has to be always heavy and torchy. Ella showed us that it can be about total joy.”