Dianne Reeves, born 23 October 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, is an American jazz singer, known more for her live performances than her albums. Alongside her peers Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diana Krall and CASSANDRA WILSON she is considered one of the most important female jazz singers of our time. She lives in Denver (Colorado/USA) Dianne came from a very musical family. Her father, who died when she was two years old, was also a singer. ...show more

Dianne Reeves, born 23 October 1956 in Detroit, Michigan, is an American jazz singer, known more for her live performances than her albums. Alongside her peers Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diana Krall and CASSANDRA WILSON she is considered one of the most important female jazz singers of our time. She lives in Denver (Colorado/USA) Dianne came from a very musical family. Her father, who died when she was two years old, was also a singer.

Her mother, Vada Swanson, played trumpet. A cousin, George Duke is a well known piano and keyboard player and producer. Dianne and her sister Sharon were raised by their grandmother in Denver, Colorado. As a child Dianne took piano lessons and sang at every opportunity.

When she was 11 years old her interest in music was enhanced by an inspiring teacher who thought that music was the best way to bring students together. Dianne discovered a love of music and that she wanted to be a singer. Her uncle, Charles Burell, a bass player with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, introduced her to the music of jazz singers, from Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday. She was especially impressed by Sarah Vaughan. ...show less