 |
|

Lifetime
Achievement Spotlight
Lillette Jenkins-Wisner
Concert Pianist and Vocalist
Lillette
Jenkins-Wisner, internationally renowned concert pianist and vocalist,
began her career at the age of six in her hometown of New York City.
She was initially trained as a classical musician but developed a strong
interest in Gospel, Ragtime and Jazz. In addition to her musical studies
from New York University, she has studied at the New York College of
Music and the Westminister Choir College in Princeton, N.J. She is the
widow of former engineer and entrepreneur Elbert Wisner, and proud mother,
grandmother and great grandmother.
Ms. Jenkins-Wisner
performed with the Special Services Unit of the United States Army during
WWII, early in her career and continues a demanding schedule of concerts,
shows, round-the-world cruises and club performances. For many years
she performed at Carnegie Hall in concert for the United Negro College
Fund Choir. Other acclaimed performances include the Lorraine Hansberry
Concert Series, European Jazz Festivals, college and university concerts,
in addition to touring engagements with the Around The World Concert
Cruise Series and the Floating Jazz Festival.
On stage, Ms. Jenkins-Wisner
was Music Director for the Off-Broadway musical hit, "One Mo' Time"
and Music Director and performer in the production, "The Life Story
of Thomas A. Dorsey," the father of Black Gospel music which is
considered to be one of her most honored accomplishments. Other shows
include: "The Sarah Vaughn Jazz Festival, " "Sparrow
in Flight" and the Crossroads Theatre production of "Eubie."
In addition, she has been in several movies including "The Cotton
Club" and appeared regularly as a jazz pianist on the ABC television
soap opera series, "All My Children." Most recently, Ms. Jenkins-Wisner
has performed numerous concerts up and down the Gulf Coast and has affiliated
her music with the Jazz Club of Sarasota.
Ms. Jenkins-Wisner
has worked as Minister of Music for numerous church choirs in the New
York/New Jersey Metropolitan area, and for 25 years served as Director
and organist of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Gospel Choir in Newark,
New Jersey. In 1994, she was included in the Distinguished Church Musicians
in The United States publication. She taught music in the New York City
Public Schools for 7 years. And, for her distinguished work as a Music
Therapist at various Senior Citizen Centers, Drug Abuse Centers and
Prisons, she has received numerous awards honoring her contributions
and commitment in the entertainment industry such as, the Essex County,
New Jersey Urban League "Humanitarian Award," the Essex County
Senior Citizen Award, and the coveted "Evergreen" Award as
a Life-Long Artist of New Jersey. She as also received several proclamations
from the City of Newark, New Jersey.
Ms. Jenkins-Wisner
has several recordings to her credits including "Meditation",
"Lillette Jenkins Live at Chez Josephine's", "Lillette
Plays Music of Lil Armstrong", and more recently "Lillette
- In Peace and Love". Her playing is extraordinary in its technical
brilliance, dazzling creativity and soulful compassion. The world long
ago discovered Lillette Jenkins-Wisner and new generations continue
to discover her, continue to be amazed at her musical ability and continue
to be inspired by her energy and love of life.
Ms. Jenkins-Wisner
is truly a regal bundle of talent and is not to be missed in a lifetime.
To join her in concert is a memorable experience. Who is that silver
fox in the center of a crowd of admiring fans? Ladies and Gentlemen,
she is Lillette Jenkins-Wisner.
Click
to Enlarge
Do you have
an artist to recommend for a future ArtSpotlight? If you do, contact
ArtSpotlight@theArtsweb.com.
You can even recommend yourself!
|
 |