Key Chanteuse

Sylvia Bennett has always loved to sing. “It’s been as natural and essential as breathing to me,” she admits. The international recording artist, songwriter and entertainer has certainly let her voice take her to some interesting places, including two presidential inaugurations and performances with legendary musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway and her mentor, Lionel Hampton. Most recently, Bennett forged into new territory with Sonrie, an album of classics including “Besame Mucho” and “Perfida.” It’s also the first Spanish album recorded by a non-Hispanic American female artist in 20 years. Bennett spent some serious time with a vocal coach to make sure she got the pronunciation right, and the investment paid off. The album is now being played around the world. Next up? Another foreign language project — though Bennett isn’t saying which tongue she’ll be singing in. To take a listen, visit SylviaBennett.com.