Jazz Vocalist
Phrasing with the sensitivity of a horn player, her intonation flawless!
. . . Leonard Feather/Los Angeles Times
The little gal is one of the best singers I've heard in a long time. She has a brilliant future.
. . . Woody Herman
The First Lady of Song!
. . . Eugene "The Senator" Wright
As an old jazz enthusiast myself she's superb, exquisite, fantastic!
. . . President James Rosser - California State University Los Angeles
Cheryl Conley is recipient of the 2006-2007 Individual Artist Grant presented by The City of Pasadena /Cultural Affairs Division.
Inspired by the stylings of Ella Fitzgerald, who told her to practice everyday, Cheryl has worked hard to become the talent she is today. With a voice as smooth as silk and an approach to melody that is always surprising and yet familiar, she epitomizes the real deal in jazz singing.
Cheryl Conley grew up in Pasadena California and is the oldest daughter of Pearl Harbor survivor Britt Conley. She especially remembers hearing the sweet sounds of Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, and Etta James when her dad was home on leave. Her musical talent showed at an early age.
"In second grade, I had the lead in the Spring Program , but came down with the chicken pox."
Cheryl learned to play flute in the 5th grade and was awarded a vocal scholarship in the 10th grade to attend the USC Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts (ISOMATA) Summer Program at Idyllwild.
Cheryl was an enthusiastic participant of John Muir High School Choral groups including Melody Maids, Girls Glee Club, Acapella Choir, and Madrigals.
Cheryl joined The Ike and Tina Turner Review as an Ikette during her senior year in high school.
"We were to open for The Rolling Stones in England in May, but I wanted to graduate in June, so I stayed behind."
Cheryl recorded with the pop group The Free Movement, who's self titled album for Columbia Records included the number one hit single 'I Found Someone of My Own.'
"Appearing on Soul Train and American Bandstand was a high point in my life."
Cheryl holds the honor of being the first voice major to receive a music degree in Jazz Studies from California State University Los Angeles. A recipient of many awards and scholarships while at CSULA including The Florence LaRue/Gordon Award and The Stan Kenton and Woody Herman Scholarships allowed Cheryl the opportunity to meet Woody Herman and further her career. Cheryl was vocalist with the CSULA Jazz Band when they opened The Playboy Jazz Festival in 1982.
She received recognition and honor in 2004 from The IOTA PHI and Lambda Sorority, Inc. Gamma Chapter Pasadena for 'Musical Achievement in Our Community.'
Cheryl currently freelances with LA Jazz Bands, The Pasadena Jazz Institute, Project J headed by producer/drummer Newell Canfield , at local restaurants and clubs.
For over 15 years, Cheryl has directed a Gospel choir at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Altadena and taught music at St. Philip the Apostle School in Pasadena, California. She has been quoted as saying, "I fill mini brains with college knowledge."