Christy Bennett Sings the Music of Irene Higginbotham

Oft-Overlooked Songwriter

Irene Higginbotham, an important yet overlooked 1940’s composer, wrote songs recorded by Billie Holliday, Anita O’Day, Dinah Washington, Peggy Lee, Duke Ellington, and Nat ‘King’ Cole.

Like many women of her time, Irene Higginbotham's story has remained untold for years. A remarkably talented Black woman who broke barriers in the male-dominated field of songwriting, her ability to sustain herself through songwriting and her songs that made it into the modern jazz canon are feats few other women have achieved. She was unique, driven, and well-connected, yet her name remains unfamiliar to many.

Singer Christy Bennett has been influenced by and performed the work of her share of jazz legends, but her specialty is uncovering the gifts of lesser known songwriters, especially women. Her new album is Good Morning, Heartache: The Music of Irene Higginbotham. Christy's research includes videos, recordings, and written material on her website: www.nerd-mountain.com. 

Free tickets will be given out to those present starting at 2:30 pm.

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