A vocal chameleon, Sarah still stays true to her own unique voice, deep rooted in the Baptist church with years of classical training. Her journey continued at Indiana University, where she was immersed in formal music education, and her insatiable hunger for vocal harmony and arranging was fed through the soul food of Sojourner, the all women's gospel group that spread the word from southern Indiana all the way to Harlem.

Bit by the rock bug, Sarah put school on the shelf to play synth with what would be deemed "nightmare pop" group The Nods as well as dreamy indie band Secret Girl. After traveling with The Nods to the East Coast and Chicago, Sarah decided to make Chicago her home, serving as the keyboardist for prolific singer/songwriter Dick Prall, and opening for greats like Buddy Guy.

College jumped off the dusty shelf in 2005 in the form of Columbia College, where Sarah dived into the creative world of jazz, pushed to focus and explore different concepts in music by driving but nurturing faculty members/artists like Bobbi Wilsyn and Chuck Webb. Honing her professionalism and performance skills with busy groups such as the Al Sofia Band, The Matt Young Group, freelancing as a jazz and R&B vocalist at renowned Chicago venues like The Pump Room, Andy’s, The Morse Theatre, Skokie Theatre, Stetson’s, The Peninsula, Philander’s, Pete Miller’s, and M Lounge, as well as establishing herself as a recording artist, Sarah is out and about in the Chicago circuit, hoping her musical journey finds you next.

What about her performances? Sarah represents, beams with, IS pure joy. Sarah takes music as a lover and treats it with the dignity and respect it deserves. She'll open doors, pay for the movie, and won't expect anything at the end of the night. She's in this relationship for the long run. Sarah can take any song and turn it into a 5 course meal that leaves you full and content with musical euphoria, and you can't forget that delectable taste. Whether you are in a crowded bar, sitting quietly in the front row, or listening to her recordings in the car, this songbird can make a piece jump out at you as easily as she can hypnotize you into a musical stupor. Her loyalty to tradition and bold creativity go hand in hand to give a memorable performance, but you have to see it for yourself.


"Jobim/Gilbert’s bossa classic “If You Never Come to Me” comes up next and features the delightful vocals of Sarah Young (nee Ferguson)...her singing is an absolute treat and I look forward to catching more from her as she continues her career."

“The One to Break My Heart” is another original, this time by Young and Ferguson, and it is an instant classic. This is a beautiful ballad, heightened again by Sarah’s impressive lilting delivery..."

-Brad Walseth at JazzChicago.net

A highlight of the CD [Diggin' In] is vocalist Sarah Young(Ferguson) on Young and Ferguson's composition, "The One To Break My Heart." A beautiful ballad that Ferguson delivers with passion and the group performs perfectly.

-Chicagojazz.com