Charlotte Crossley | |
|---|---|
| Born | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1971–present |
| Labels | |
Charlotte Crossley, nicknamed "Charlo", is an American singer and actress, best known for her roles in the musical theatrical productions ofHairspray,The Color Purple,Jesus Christ Superstar, as a member of theHarlettes inBette Midler'sClams On The Half-Shell Revue, and for her appearance in20 Feet from Stardom. She has been described as a comedienne.[1][2][3][4]
Crossley won the 2005NAACP Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the first national tour ofHairspray.[5]
Crossley grew up in Chicago, where she studied music and theatre.[6]
In the early '70's, Crossley auditioned forJesus Christ, Superstar and was chosen to join the cast. She sang in the choir of the original Broadway cast album ofJesus Christ Superstar (a Decca Broadway Original Cast). In those years, she appeared inHair.[2]
Crossley joined Bette Midler, "The Divine Miss M", in 1973.
Crossley has performed as a featured artist in musicals and films includingHairspray, taking over the role of Motormouth Maybelle on Broadway on September 2, 2008,Jesus Christ Superstar,20 Feet From Stardom,Sister Act,Sister Act 2, and supported Robin Williams' performance of "Blame Canada" on the Oscars, among others.[5][7][8][9]
As a session singer, Crossley has recorded feature and background vocals for Bette Midler, Luther Vandross, David Lasley, Boz Scaggs,Marc Shaiman, Kiss, Chaka Khan, Brenda Russell, Barry Manilow, and The Brecker Brothers, among others. She is a featured artist on TheDreamgirls Dance Project singing "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and withMerry Clayton,Scherrie Payne and Pam Vincent singing "Dreamgirls".[10]
She was a member of the Harlettes performing on stage in Bette Midler tours and concerts including The Divine Miss M Tour, Clams On The Half-Shell Revue, The Depression Tour, Intimate Evening with Bette, and recording as The Harlettes and Formerly Of The Harlettes.[11]
Crossley was a member of the group Full Swing, a trio of singers, alongsideLorraine Feather andSteve March. She was cited by a journalist of the Los Angeles Times as "the group's strongest vocal personality, singing with a burry-edged sound that brought character..."[12][13][14][15]
The Springfield Leader wrote ""Full Swing" Lorraine Feather, Charlotte Crossley and Steve March recreate the vitality and romance of 'the swing era music with today's technology .. and style."[16]
Crossley appears in the Academy Award-winning documentary20 Feet From Stardom.[3][17]
Crossley makes live appearances in venues including54 Below andLincoln Center, where she performed in a tribute Laura Nyro show in August 2012 along withSarah Dash,Nona Hendryx, Melba Moore, Desmond Child & Rouge, Felix Cavaliere, Toni Wine, Ula Hedwig, and others.[18][19]