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Barbara Levy Daniels

Singing jazz tunes from the Great American Song Book

About Me

It was Ray Charles who told the management at ABC Paramount Records to sign Barbara to a recording contract in 1958 when Barbara was 12-years-old. Known then as Barbara Lyons, she recorded several 45’s, including “Dear Buddy”, one of the first songs written by Carole King. She also recorded a children’s album with Chubby Jackson, Woody Herman’s bass player.

As a teenager, Barbara recorded and performed for 3-4 years when she decided to pursue an education and earned 2 Masters degrees. In 1995, after raising a family, Barbara decided to return to her first love…singing good music. She recorded 2 CDs from1996 to 2005, performed at venues in the USA and also graced stages from Vietnam to Cuba.

Barbara’s 2013 CD, “Love Lost and Found”, recorded with John di Martino, has received great reviews. Some of the accolades include “…she is sounding better than ever. Her voice has depth and is under control, and she shapes her notes and phrases with a natural, conversational grace.”

Her next CD, a tribute to Jimmy Van Heusen, will be released in early 2015. It features Houston Person (Saxophone), John diMartino (Piano & Musical Director), Gene Bertoncini (Guitar), Boris Kozlov (Bass) and Shinnosuke Takahashi (Drums).

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because...it's in my DNA I was first exposed to jazz...as a youngster when I sang with my father I met Ray Charles.... The best show I ever attended was.....Alberta Hunter.. The first jazz record I bought was...Miles Davis My advice to new listeners...Keep an open mind