Judy Niemack

A talented and adventurous jazz singer, Judy Niemack has long had an underground reputation in jazz, although she finally began to receive more recognition for her abilities. She sang regularly in school, starting at age seven in a church choir, and at 17 decided to become a professional singer. After meeting Warne Marsh the following year, Niemack became dedicated to jazz. She attended Pasadena City College, had several years of classical study, and also attended the New England Conservatory in Boston and the Cleveland Institute of Music, in addition to private lessons with Marsh. In 1977, she moved to New York and the following year made her recording debut for Sea Breeze.

Since that time, Niemack has freelanced with many top advanced musicians, including Toots Thielemans, James Moody, Lee Konitz, Clark Terry, Kenny Barron, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, Joe Lovano, and Eddie Gomez, among others, written lyrics to other musicians' compositions (in addition to writing songs of her own), and has toured Europe regularly. In addition, she has been a top jazz educator, teaching throughout Europe. Judy Niemack, a colorful improviser, has recorded as a leader for Sea Breeze, Stash, and Freelance.

from Wikipedia:

Judy Niemack (b. March 11, 1954, Pasadena, California) is an American jazz vocalist.

Niemack sang in a church choir from age seven. She decided on a professional career in singing at age 17, and soon after met Warne Marsh, who encouraged her to explore jazz. She studied jazz at Pasadena City College, and later at the New England Conservatory of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Her debut album was released in 1977; she has recorded several albums under her own name in addition to working with Toots Thielemans, James Moody, Lee Konitz, Clark Terry, Kenny Barron, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, Joe Lovano, Eddie Gomez, and the Widespread Depression Jazz Orchestra. She has toured Europe many times and also teaches music.