For this exciting month I wanted to Salute Ms. Vinnie Knight for African-American Music Appreciation Month and also New York Music Month. With her unique voice and captivating style; she is truly a treasured Harlemite and Jazz and Blues legend. Very few singers today have had the opportunity to have met, worked or performed with legends like Duke Ellington, Fred Astaire, Gladys Shelly, Dakota Staton and the list goes on…….. “Vinnie Knights voice is unique, sophisticated and a national treasure”.... Maurice Lynch.

Ms. Vinnie Knight was born in Harlem, New York. Her father was singer and guitarist. She studied dance with the La Rocque Dance theater and music at the Julliard School of Music, and Kings Borough Community College in New York City.

The rich voice of Ms. Vinnie Knight has many interpretations of what a great American Jazz and Blues singer should sound like.  Her smooth, velvety, mysterious angelic voice has the sophistication of the great Sarah Vaughn, the earthiness of Pearl Bailey, and the seductiveness of Billie Holiday. When this lady sings the blues you can feel her connection to even her gospel roots. “There is no mimicking; the sound that is just wonderfully and naturally Vinnie Knight”.

Ms. Knight has recorded, performed and collaborated with the best musicians of the "Jazz World".  She has garnered billboard & rave reviews singing the music of "DUKE ELLINGTON" and "GLADYS SHELLY".  Ms. Knight was muse to Gladys Shelly who was well known for her hit How Did He Look? And for her work with Duke Ellington, Fred Astaire and Nat King Cole. Ms. Knight worked with and styled many of Shelly’s original songs. Gladys Shelly opened the doors of Café Society’s most exclusive venues for Ms. Knight like The Rainbow Room,The Metropolitan Club in New York City and The Monaco Sporting Club on the French Rivera.

Ms. Knight has been signed to several labels on GPRT Records she released "DOIN THINGS FOR HER", an original composition by Gladys Shelley and arranged by Ms. Knight.  Zena Records has produced Collectors Editions of Ms. Knight singing songs from the "Duke Ellington Song Book", a CD called "Sweet & Hot". Collectors Edition Live In Japan. Collectors Edition "Ive Gotta Be Me" and "Lady Blue".

Ms. Knight has exercised her acting and vocal ability which has landed parts on The New Detectives and The FBI Series.

Ms. Knight has a profound love for musical theater, she has written and produced a musical revue called "BLACK PEARLS" (The Speakeasy) songs from the 1920s thru the 40s which had its world premiere at "THE ACTORS THEATER" in Virginia Beach, VA. directed by Joe Sasso and choreographed by Ed Anderson. She performed a dedication and tribute to keeping Duke Ellingtons music immortal; with the Hampton University Jazz Ensemble, in Hampton Virginia.

"BLACK PEARLS" was produced by special arrangements in part by "Hampton University" Dr. Karen Ward, director of the Fine and Performing Arts Department and directed by Lucinda Piro McDermott.  The musical revue was a total success sponsored by the "CROSSROADS THEATER COMPANY" at Armstrong Hall Little Theater, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia. 
Received Award 2003, for Artistic Achievers for Music - Voice, from AFR-AM FEST and is active with the National Jazz Foundation. 

“Ms. Knight is currently working on a book of her memoirs. Lets celebrate and appreciate this great Lady of Jazz & Blues Ms. Vinnie Knight for Americas African-American Music Appreciation Month June 2017”. Maurice Lynch-Producer & Director.

Contributing Links:
https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/vinnieknight
http://www.fyicomminc.com/jazzwomen/vinnie_knight.htm
http://www.allmusic.com/album/billboard-top-contemporary-urban-jazz-mw0000244373
http://www.mauricelynchmusic.com/