Broadway star and rising jazz luminary Syndee Winters is making headlines with her powerful tribute album Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne—now featured in the October issue of DownBeat Magazine, one of the most respected publications in jazz.
Released on June 30, Lena Horne’s 108th birthday, the 10-track album is a heartfelt homage to the legendary performer, blending Winters’ theatrical finesse with deep jazz roots. DownBeat praises the project as “reverent and fresh,” spotlighting Winters’ ability to honor Horne’s legacy while injecting her own vibrant artistry into timeless classics like “Stormy Weather” and “If You Believe.”
Produced by Eulis Cathey and Grammy-winning Carl Griffin, the album features a stellar lineup including Ben Williams, Warren Wolf, Freddie Hendrix, and Andromeda Turre, whose original composition “Alive” adds a contemporary anthem of resilience.
Winters’ feature in DownBeat highlights not just her vocal prowess, but her cultural significance as a Caribbean-American artist channeling Horne’s spirit of elegance, excellence, and evolution. With past performances alongside NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Jr. and appearances at Birdland NYC and the Quantum Leap Music Festival, Winters is carving a bold path in vocal jazz.
Critics and industry leaders are taking notice:
- “A powerhouse performer with Broadway chops and jazz lineage.” — Upscale Magazine
- “Her magnetic stage presence and extraordinary voice are truly captivating.” — Chip McLean, Disney Music Group
- “Syndee has crafted something truly special that honors Lena’s spirit while adding her own light.” — Sherri G. Sneed, TV & Film Producer
Syndee Winters Sings Lena Horne is currently under Grammy® consideration for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. First-round voting runs October 3–15.
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Read the full feature on DownBeat Magazine’s website
More at SyndeeWinters.com