The Florida Orchestra

Carmen Bradford
Vocalist

Born in Austin, Texas and raised in Altadena, California, Carmen Bradford grew up with music in her home and heart. Following the footsteps of her great family musical legacy, Bradford has carved out a place in music history for herself and plays an integral role in the jazz world.

Bradford was discovered and hired by Mr. William Count Basie and was the featured vocalist in the legendary Count Basie Orchestra for nine years. She has since performed and/or recorded with such talents as Wynton Marsalis, John Clayton, Nancy Wilson, Doc Severinsen, Tony Bennett, James Brown, Byron Stripling, George Benson, Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, as well as the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, the National Symphony, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, among others. Bradford performed on two Grammy Award winning albums with the Count Basie Orchestra in the 1980s and later collaborated on a third Grammy Award winning album, Big Boss Band, with guitarist George Benson.

Bradford began another chapter in her illustrious career as a solo artist with the critically acclaimed debut album Finally Yours and With Respect (Evidence Records), which established herself as one of jazz music’s most diverse and exciting vocal talents. Her next release, Home With You, (Azica Records) is a collection of piano/vocal duets with Shelly Berg.

Currently, Bradford makes guest appearances with the Count Basie Orchestra.

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