The Manhattan Transfer

Celebrating their 50th Anniversary, The Manhattan Transfer continues to set the standard as one of the world’s greatest and most innovative vocal bands. Winners of ten Grammy Awards, with millions of records sold worldwide, this amazing quartet is building upon the extraordinary legacy created by founder Tim Hauser who organized the four-part harmony group along with Janis Siegel (alto), Alan Paul (tenor), and Laurel Masse (soprano) on October 1, 1972. Cheryl Bentyne (soprano) replaced Masse in 1979, and Trist Curless (bass) replaced Tim Hauser following his passing on October 16, 2014. Says Alan Paul. “It's astounding to me that the group has been able to create and share our musical harmony for five decades. It is truly a blessing.” Adds Siegel, “We are proud to still be here through all the changes. We stayed true to ourselves. What The Manhattan Transfer does on stage brings so much joy, sharing music we love.” Defying categorization, The Manhattan Transfer became the first vocal group to win Grammy Awards in the pop and jazz categories in one year, 1981: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Boy From New York City” (a cover of the 1964 song by The Ad Libs), and Best Jazz Performance by a Duo or Group for “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket).” Beginning with their first performances in the early 1970’s, the members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame have become cornerstones of contemporary music, known for their amazing versatility, incorporating pop, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, swing, symphonic, and a cappella music. The original group consisted of Hauser, Siegel, Paul, and Laurel Massé. After being signed by the legendary Ahmet Ertegun to Atlantic Records, The Manhattan Transfer made their recording debut with their self-titled album in 1975. “It took a while to get a deal,” Paul remembers. “We were selling out clubs in New York City, but no one would sign us. The labels thought we were not commercial and didn’t want to take a risk.” Bette Midler was a friend of Tim’s and through her manager, Aaron Russo, invited Ahmet (Ertegun) to our show in Philly and the rest is history.” In the early 1970’s, The Manhattan Transfer emerged out of the underground, avant-garde movement in New York City. The group wanted to visually interpret the music they were singing like chameleons, constantly changing their image to fit their musical styles. Their look ranged from heavy makeup and surreal Cockette’s inspired costumes to tuxedoes and tails. “We followed the philosophy of David Bowie,” states Paul. “Create a persona, and then destroy it to evolve into something else.” Then known primarily as an east coast cult act, the group expanded their following by starring in their own 1975 CBS-TV variety series as a summer replacement for the Cher (Bono) Show. The Manhattan Transfer garnered international popularity when "Chanson D'Amour" from the 1976 Coming Out album became a surprise number one hit in Europe. In their 50 years, the group has attained incredible longevity while navigating devastating obstacles. In 1978, a car accident caused Masse to leave the group. “We didn’t know if we’d be able to continue but Ahemt (Ertegun) encouraged us to find a replacement,” remembers Paul. “We auditioned ten singers for soprano. Cheryl Bentyne was the last one. After 12 bars we all knew she was the one. We brought out champagne and said, ‘You’re in.’” Bentyne made her recording debut on the 1979 Extensions album which won two Grammys for their cover of Weather Report’s “Birdland” (with lyrics by Jon Hendricks): Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental; and Siegel won for Best Arrangement for Voices. “It was mind blowing,” recalls Bentyne. “The group had never won a Grammy, had never been to the Grammys. We came up on a hydraulic lift at Radio City Music Hall. Michael Jackson, Madonna and Barry Manilow were watching us sitting in the front row.” The new chapter of The Manhattan Transfer had become an instant success. Sieg