Lisa Hartt

Singer Lisa Hartt absorbed a varied mix of musical styles throughout her childhood. She entered the professional arena while still in her early teens, securing her first notable role at age 15 as a backing vocalist for Gino Vannelli. That association introduced her to the demands of life on the road, where performing in varied venues helped her develop stage presence and refine her vocal technique.

Once she moved beyond supporting work, Hartt assumed front-and-center duties as lead singer of an all-female big-band ensemble. In 1973 she launched her own project, the Lisa Hartt Band, whose lineup featured guitarist Rayburn Blake, keyboardist Richard Yuen, drummer Marty Cordray, and bassist Denny Gerrard.

From 1975 through 1977 she balanced extensive touring with studio commitments, releasing several singles on the Rising label and the album Starwatchers in 1977. Following that debut release, the Lisa Hartt Band dissolved. Hartt then returned to session singing, accumulating numerous background-vocal credits alongside other recording artists.