When you think of sophistication, elegance, seduction, jazz, and blues, not many artists come to mind. There is one singer/pianist however that brings all of these adjectives to life, ROSALYN McCLORE.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee , Rosalyn grew up playing gospel music in church every Sunday starting at the age of 13. "My parents made sure that I had a solid spiritual upbringing. My daddy used to direct the choir. He worked with me diligently on singing, phrasing, and technique, daily. He was my earliest musical influence. We also listened often to Nat King Cole, Nancy Wilson, and Tony Bennet. However, the influence of gospel music remains a large part of my playing today."

Formal instruction began at age seven with a local neighborhood piano teacher. “I would go to lessons and frustrate the teacher to no end by knowing the entire book! My parents were constantly seeking out more challenging learning environments for me.” By the time Rosalyn reached college, Memphis State University, she had discovered a deep love for jazz. In addition to studying with a classical instructor as well as a jazz instructor, Rosalyn studied privately with the great jazz pianists, Phinneaus Newborne Jr, and Mulgrew Miller. “At one time I had 4 piano teachers! I also started singing in college, a talent I had completely ignored in the past. It was then that I started listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Nancy Wilson”. This is where Rosalyn developed a love for cabaret style singing and performing.

After four years of intense study and self-teaching. Rosalyn could be heard around town working and leading her own groups. After a few years Rosalyn moved to New York City where she worked in the Café Wha? house band for 5 years. “We played all kinds of music there. It was an invaluable experience. I played and sang in Greek, Arabic, Israeli, Spanish, and Persian. All those different rhythms really had a big influence in my playing style, although, it was pretty daunting for a girl from the south”.

Since moving to NY Rosalyn has done private parties for Sting, Micheal Jordan, Martha Stewart, the Kennedy family, and Ron Perelman. In addition to performing at Helens Hideaway Lounge and other major venues in NY, Rosalyn presently expands her musical horizons in the area of artists’ development and acts as musical director for several artistic situations worldwide.