INTRODUCTION Internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and recording artist Michelle Manzo has a voice that exudes warmth and a wide vocal range that reaches the very depths of emotion, Michelle captivates audiences with every note she sings. Her effortless ability to improvise adds a touch of magic to her performances, leaving listeners in awe of her musical prowess. 

BACKROUND Born and raised in Miami from Cuban and Dominican parents, Michelle remembers hearing Cuban folkloric music while she was growing up. “Our family used to get together and play percussion instruments and chant. It is a spiritual connection that most Cubans have. But I had a special interest in classical music, especially Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. I was eager to absorb anything musical.“ Michelle, who was mostly self-taught on piano by then, started off singing in church and in school. She attended a high school that offered rigorous training for vocalists and was one of the top singers in the advanced show choir were they performed a capellas and show tunes. She traveled with the group to national competitions, performed in many places along the East coast and around Florida were they won countless awards.

A turning point in her journey came during a jazz appreciation class that ignited an indelible passion within her. Captivated by the syncopated rhythms reminiscent of her Caribbean roots, and entranced by the complex harmonies reminiscent of the classical composers she adored, Michelle discovered her true musical calling in jazz. It was a harmonious fusion that felt like coming home, and she knew it was her destiny to pursue this genre for a lifetime.

While navigating her artistic path, Michelle continued to perform with her versatility, seamlessly moving from top 40 hits to Latin music and R&B, even recording captivating jingles for commercial projects. Yet, her heart was steadfastly drawn to jazz, where she found her truest expression as an artist.

Fueled by her dedication, Michelle earned an associate degree in Music from Miami Dade College and further pursued her passion at the prestigious University of Miami School of Music. She then decided to embark on a transformative journey to the Mecca of jazz: New York City. There, she immersed herself in the city's rich musical fabric, learning from the greats and building profound musical relationships with esteemed musicians like Barry Harris, Ron Affif, Art Hirahara, Elias Bailey to name a few.

Her quest for musical excellence continued at City College University where John Pattitucci is faculty, she pursued a Bachelor's in Fine Arts with an emphasis on Jazz, graduating with honors, Cum Laude.

Michelle Manzo continued to perform throughout New York City and overseas. She has shared the stage with jazz legends including Les Paul, Roy Hargrove, Victor Jones, Gene Bertoncini as well as latin groups The Gypsy Kings.  She been sought after to record demos for Grammy winning songwriters and was chosen to debut Dave Brubeck’s latest composition before his passing. She continued to record commercial jingles as well as narrated and sang the children’s audio book on Celia Cruz’s life.

Michelle Manzo has performed at the Cape Cod Jazz Festival, Raue Performing Arts Center, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The National Arts Club, Birdland Jazz Club, Zinc Bar NYC, Iridium and many others. She won an award at a songwriter’s festival in Taiwan for a song that she wrote based on a Buddhist poem. She was also featured on Premium Latin/Sony LP Bachata Underground track entitled “Hombres” written by Charlie Mosquea, produced by legendary Angel Fernandez (Marc Anthony, David Burn, Jennifer Lopez

She's performed throughout Asia including Japan, Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur.