Biography
Allegra Levy is a critically acclaimed American jazz vocalist, songwriter, and composer, known for her sophisticated original songs and richly expressive contralto voice. Born and raised in West Hartford, Connecticut—a town celebrated for its strong jazz education programs—Levy was immersed in music from an early age, influenced by her parents' love of folk and pop, and later by jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Dianne Reeves. She honed her craft at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she earned a degree in Jazz Vocal Performance and was deeply shaped by the institution's culture of composition and innovation.
After moving to New York, Levy quickly established herself on the city's vibrant jazz scene, performing at iconic venues like the Jazz Standard, Blue Note, Birdland Theater, and the Bitter End. Her debut album, released in 2014, was praised by The New York Times as 'fresh, exotic, and far beyond the ordinary.' She has since released several albums on the SteepleChase label, including 'Looking at the Moon' and 'Lose My Number: Allegra Levy Sings John McNeil,' the latter featuring her own lyrics set to the music of renowned trumpeter John McNeil. Levy's work is characterized by harmonically adventurous yet accessible originals, blending the Great American Songbook tradition with modern sensibilities and a touch of lyrical wit.
Levy's career is marked by both critical recognition and a commitment to musical outreach. She has been named one of DownBeat Magazine's Top 10 Rising Star Jazz Vocalists and has won multiple songwriting awards, including the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and the Great American Song Contest. In recent years, she has expanded her repertoire to include jazz-infused children's music, earning acclaim for her ability to make jazz accessible to younger audiences. Levy also serves in a leadership role with the Women in Jazz Organization, advocating for greater visibility and equity in the jazz community.
Fun Facts
- Levy was artist-in-residence at the Blue Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong, from 2014 to 2015.
- She won the John Lennon Songwriting Competition's Stuck at Home Edition for her children's song 'Wash My Hands' during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Her composition 'Man in the Moon' won Best Original Song at the International Independent Film Awards for the short film 'Astronaut Hour.'
- Levy's album 'Looking at the Moon' was named an Editor’s Pick in both DownBeat Magazine and JazzTimes.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- John McNeil - Mentor and collaborator during her studies at New England Conservatory; produced her first two albums and inspired her lyrical adaptations of his compositions. (Lonely City, Cities Between Us, Lose My Number: Allegra Levy Sings John McNeil) [2010s–present]
Key Collaborators
- John McNeil - Frequent collaborator, co-performer, and producer; subject of an entire album of her lyrics set to his music. (Lose My Number: Allegra Levy Sings John McNeil, Lonely City, Cities Between Us) [2014–present]
- Carmen Staaf - Pianist in her all-female trio on recent recordings. (Recent trio recordings (album titles not specified)) [2020s]
- Carmen Rothwell - Bassist in her all-female trio. (Recent trio recordings) [2020s]
- Colleen Clark - Drummer in her all-female trio. (Recent trio recordings) [2020s]
- Women in Jazz Organization (WIJO) leadership - Collaborates with Roxy Coss and Tahira Clayton on advocacy and leadership within WIJO. (WIJO projects and initiatives) [2020s]
Artists Influenced
- Young jazz vocalists and children - As a voice teacher and creator of jazz-infused children's music, Levy has inspired young singers and introduced jazz to new generations. (Children's albums such as 'Songs for You and Me', 'Wash My Hands') [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Songs for You and Me | 2023-04-07 | Album |
| Out of the Question | 2024-05-20 | Album |
| Lose My Number | 2020-08-15 | Album |
| Looking at the Moon | 2018-06-15 | Album |
| Cities Between Us | 2017-03-01 | Album |
| Lonely City | 2014-11-10 | Album |
| Lonely City | 2014-11-01 | Album |
| A New Face | 2008-07-08 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Clap Your Hands (Songs for You and Me)
- Hello Song (Songs for You and Me)
- Noodles! (Songs for You and Me)
- Hip, Hip, Hooray! (Songs for You and Me)
- It's So Hard to be You (Songs for You and Me)
- Los Animales (Songs for You and Me)
- In the Tub (Songs for You and Me)
- I Got a Boo-Boo (Songs for You and Me)
- Toodaloo, Kangaroo (Songs for You and Me)
- Should I Stay Or Should I Go? (Out of the Question)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Allegra Levy has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 24, 2025 | 08:43 | Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?from Out Of The Question | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive |