Thurs, March 7th, 2024

Venue: The Reserve

"A pure, straightforward singer of the tasteful school of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Carmen McRae who looks as good as she sounds”: Jack Ellsworth – Legendary New York DJ (friend of Sinatra)

As girl singer with the World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, Julia Rich has performed at venues from Iceland to Brazil including the Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center, Birdland, the Rainbow Room, Montreal Jazz Festival, World’s Fair in Seville, and Orchard Hall in Tokyo during 24 tours of Japan. She has worked alongside Rosemary Clooney, Helen O’Connell, the Mills Brothers, the Four Freshmen, Mel Tormé, the Count Basie Orchestra, et al. Rich is featured on several Glenn Miller Orchestra recordings and videos including 2 PBS Specials and has appeared as guest vocalist with both the Tommy Dorsey and Cab Calloway Orchestras.

As a solo artist, Rich has performed in venues nationwide. Tracks including originals from her five solo albums are featured on TV’s Music Choice: Singers and Swing. Her original songs have also been performed by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Rich specializes in the Great American Songbook, popular music from the ‘30s and ‘40s made famous by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Rosemary Clooney, with a bit of vintage pop from the ‘50s and ‘60s for spice!

Rich holds the M.M. in Jazz Studies from Middle Tennessee State University and teaches private instruction in jazz voice at MTSU.

"I’ve had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Julia perform on many different occasions through the years, and she’s always the consummate PRO. Her distinctive style comes from her varied experiences, and her ability to communicate with an audience is truly EXPERT”: Buddy DeFranco – NEA Jazz Master