I Sing The Body - Conversations with Cheryl Bentyne

“The world got smaller, my heart got bigger” “I wouldn’t say I have cancer-I would say cancer has me.” Mary Bogue is sort of a new old friend of mine. She is a fabulous performer and I have been one table away from her in the LA jazz scene for years.

More than another cancer survivor, Morgan is “Dukes up”--as she refers to herself, standing up to cancer. “Pain is the greatest teacher.” Listening to her teachings will help other women to hand it over and walk through it. Absorb each and every word--I guarantee you will be comforted.

Sharon Mcevan Ellis is a gem. She is family as well. Her sister is Angela Paul, and her brother- in-law is Alan Paul, who happens to be my partner in The Manhattan Transfer. We go way back almost 40 years. I was so happy she agreed to share her story with us.

“You can only refine gold through fire.” LESLIE PAGE is a fantastic and very original singer--and my neighbor here in Palm Springs! She’s traveled the world, as she was singing background to Joe Walsh, and has trudged through cancer as well. I was very interested in her story.

LOU EYRICH is a costume designer best known for her work in the television series Glee and American Horror Story: Asylum. In 2012, she was awarded a Career Achievement Award in Television from the Costume Designers Guild. She also happens to be the former wardrobe artist for The Manhattan Transfer.

CECILY GARDNER is a jazz singer, teacher, composer and a founding member of improvisational vocal septet, FISH TO BIRDS. Her vocal style is as varied as her collaborators, which is why I adore her.

Music industry legend MARCY KRAFT is a lover, supporter, and constant promoter of music, and those in the music community. If you like a musician, she’s worked with them. Thank you, Marcy, for everything.

Jazz singer GINA ECKSTINE graciously sang at my benefit with City of Hope. She’s a teacher, a performer and continues the legacy of her father, legend BILLY ECKSTINE. I’m proud to call her my friend.

Cheryl Bentyne has been a member of iconic, jazz vocal group THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER for over 40 years, and is a 10x GRAMMY winner. She has survived cancer two times and continues to create music and perform, both as a solo artist and member of the group.