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Erin Dickins

A founding member of the original Manhattan Transfer...Erin Dickins is a true storyteller in song.

About Me

As an award winning jazz vocalist and founding member of The Manhattan Transfer, Erin Dickins has enjoyed career singers dream about. After five years singing ensemble music with The Manhattan Transfer, she emerged as one of the top studio singers in New York. Dickins toured and recorded with many notable artists including Leonard Cohen, Bette Midler, James Taylor, The Talking Heads, James Brown, Jaco Pastorius and Ashford & Simpson, to name but a few. In 2016, Dickins completed work on a new album, Vignettes, slated for release early 2017. This first self-produced project is a compilation of one-on-one collaborations with an array of world-class musicians; many who have been close friends for decades. Eclectic and personal, Vignettes is a true representation of Dickins creativity. It captures her love of many musical genres and shows the true range of her vocal artistry. Among her collaborators are David Friedman (vibes), Elliott Randall (Steely Dan guitar), John Lissauer (Leonard Cohen Producer), Rob Mounsey (piano), A.J. Croce (Jim’s son - piano) and many others.

As passionate about cooking as she is about music, in November 2014 Erin Dickins released a new cookbook with an accompanying CD, Sizzle & Swing - Jazzin’ Up Food by ComteQ Publishing with Dot Time Records. In concert with the book/CD release, Dickins launched a new line of herbal seasonings that shares the moniker, Sizzle & Swing.

On the CD, Java Jive, Dickins returns to her roots with a remake of the original Ink Spots’ hit, which she first recorded on the Manhattan Transfer album Jukin’. As title track, Java Jive anchors the new release and features backing vocals by longtime friends Tim Hauser, Marty Nelson and Gene Pistilli - the three male vocalists from the original The Manhattan Transfer. (Sadly, Java Jive was Tim Hauser’s last recording.)

While most often thought of as a jazz artist, Dickins is no newcomer to the food world. She studied at the New York Restaurant School and self-taught herself the Escoffier Method. She was an active member of Les Amis du Vin in New York City, and in 1978, opened a Manhattan eatery called Possible 20, with a consortium comprised of 20 world-class recording musicians. Possible 20 quickly became the hang-out for the New York recording and theatre scenes. Dickins also managed and chef-ed at Jose Sent Me – a Tex-Mex café founded by the same consortium.

Dickins was awarded the prestigious Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award in 2012. She was also the recipient of the “Best Jazz Vocalist” honor awarded in 2012 by CoffeeTalk Jazz Radio in Los Angeles.

Involved in the community, Dickins serves on the board of directors of American Jazz Venues, a New York based 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to engendering a passion for jazz in younger audiences. Dickins founded SummerFame, a program developed in Easton, Maryland to provide performing arts programs for children of all ages. She is available to present Master Classes and workshops.

Ms. Dickins tours in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Asia. Complete press kit and booking information are available upon request. She is currently booking for 2017 and 2018.

Copyright © Erin Dickins