Robin Watson is Jazzlady Robin. A jazz vocalist and leader, her vocal styling is described to be an appealing blend of Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington, Carmen McRae and Nina Simone, while her creativity is clearly influenced by that of her distant cousin, Ella Fitzgerald. Ms. Watson’s performance career has spanned decades through Chicago’s premiere jazz venues. She has wooed audiences from large stages - Petrillo Bandshell, Garfield Park Conservatory, Pheasant Run, United Center, Odyssey Cruises, Showboat, Empress and Majestic Star Casinos- and more intimate music rooms at the Peninsula Hotel, Braxton’s, Tuscany’s, John & Tony’s, Metropolitan Club, Union League Club, Como Inn, Backroom and Cotton Club.

 

Ms. Watson has a BA in vocal performance from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA - where she merited solo performances at the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter, the United Nations, and a Brazilian tour. She now headlines her own combo with David Turner on piano, Rolfe Hokanson on bass, & George Aparo on drums. Robin Watson’s humor, energy and authenticity make her performances compelling and engaging. Hermaine Hartman of N’Digo says, “Watch this group, for they are going places.” Rhythm of Hope International talent agent, Kathy Kelly-Hahn says “Robin’s music is swinging, sultry and fun--whatever the style. Her tremendous showmanship qualities bring rave reviews; audiences love her, and the chemistry with her talented combo is great!” “...’Drippin’ N Sugar N Blues’ is just a taste of what this jazzlady has inside,” says WDCB Radio personality, Bruce Oscar.

Ms. Watson has also performed in musical theatre, worked as a studio recording artist and served as sidewoman for Jazz Unlimited Big Band, the Al Fook Big Band, the E-Band and Steve Zuterek Trio. She has had the privilege to also have performed with many other renowned jazz artists; (among them) Harrison Bankhead, Paul Casino, Ken Chaney, Rich Corpolongo, Mel Davis, Bob Dogan, Johnie Feran, Johnny Frigo, Skip Green, Larry Hanks, Roger Harris, Steve Hart, Laura Hoffman, Scott Earl Holman, John Jeffries, Leon Joyce, Spencer Keys, Dennis Luxion, Vijay Tellis Nayak, Corky McClerkin, Frank Menzies, Harold Morrison, Tom Muellner, Dennis Murray, Bruce Oscar, Julie Ponce, Eric Remschneider, Cecile Savage, Nick Schneider, Don Stilly, Skinny Williams, and Ken Wojicik.