An Evening With Francine Reed

Listen to this article

 

 

Born in Chicago and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Francine Reed has had a passion for singing since her early childhood. She began singing professionally with her family’s gospel group when she was five. “I always say I was born singing,” Reed has said in a biographical release. “I can still remember my first performance when I was a 3-year-old in my aunt’s church. I used to listen to rehearsals with her gospel choir and I’d sing ‘I Wanna See Jesus’ in front of the congregation…It’s a natural, God-given talent.”

 

After marrying young, the everyday struggles of life kept Reed from pursuing her dream of singing full-time until her children were older. Fortunately, she was able to sing in local jazz clubs and at various functions in Phoenix. She became known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, and delivered an eclectic blend of jazz, blues, and R&B. Well known as the “foreground” singer in Lyle Lovett’s Large Band, Francine has also collaborated and shared the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Delbert McClinton,Miles Davis, Etta James, Smokey Robinson, and the Crusaders.

 

Blues, Gospel & Jazz singer Francine Reed and her band will visit the Lilypad in Cambridge, MA on Thursday, June 1st, Show @ 8PM & Doors at 7:30pm