Biography
The Manhattan Transfer is an acclaimed American vocal group formed in 1969 in New York City by Tim Hauser, initially with Erin Dickins, Marty Nelson, Pat Rosalia, and Gene Pistilli. Their early work, including the album 'Jukin'' (1971), explored jazz, rock, and country, but the original lineup disbanded in 1973 due to artistic differences. The group was reborn in 1972 when Hauser, while working as a New York cab driver, met Laurel Massé and later Janis Siegel and Alan Paul, forming the classic quartet that would define their sound and legacy.
The Manhattan Transfer became known for their innovative blend of vocal jazz, a cappella, swing, vocalese, pop, and rhythm and blues. Their 1975 self-titled album marked a shift toward sophisticated vocal jazz, featuring hits like 'Operator' and 'Java Jive.' The group achieved international success, especially in Europe, with albums like 'Coming Out' and 'Pastiche.' After Massé's departure in 1978, Cheryl Bentyne joined, and the group continued to evolve, winning their first Grammy for 'Birdland' in 1980. Over the decades, they amassed eleven Grammy Awards, including a historic win in both pop and jazz categories in the same year (1981), and became one of the most influential vocal groups in modern music.
The Manhattan Transfer's musical style is characterized by complex harmonies, inventive arrangements, and a seamless fusion of genres. Their legacy includes not only chart-topping hits and critical acclaim but also a profound influence on vocal jazz and popular music. The group officially retired in 2023, leaving behind a vast discography and a reputation as pioneers of vocal harmony and genre-crossing artistry.
Fun Facts
- The Manhattan Transfer is the only group to win Grammy Awards in both pop and jazz categories in the same year (1981).
- Their 1985 album 'Vocalese' received 12 Grammy nominations, second only to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' for most nominations in a single year.
- Tim Hauser met both Laurel Massé and Janis Siegel while working as a New York City cab driver, leading to the group's classic lineup.
- The group hosted their own CBS television variety show for four weeks in 1975.
Members
- Laurel Massé - original (from 1972 until 1978)
- Tim Hauser - original (from 1972 until 2014-10-16)
- Alan Paul - original (from 1972)
- Janis Siegel - original (from 1972)
- Cheryl Bentyne (from 1979)
- Trist Ethan Curless (from 2014)
Original Members
- Alan Paul - original
- Janis Siegel - original
- Cheryl Bentyne
- Trist Ethan Curless
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- The Ink Spots - Stylistic influence; their song 'Java Jive' became a Manhattan Transfer staple. ('Java Jive' (covered on multiple albums and live performances)) [1970s–present]
- Gene Goldkette Orchestra - Early jazz inspiration; their material was covered on the group's debut album. ('Jukin'' (1971)) [1971]
Key Collaborators
- Tim Hauser - Founder and bass vocalist; group leader and arranger (All albums (1969–2014)) [1969–2014]
- Janis Siegel - Alto vocalist; core member and arranger (All albums (1972–2023)) [1972–2023]
- Alan Paul - Tenor vocalist; core member and songwriter (All albums (1972–2023)) [1972–2023]
- Laurel Massé - Soprano vocalist; original member of the classic lineup (Albums through 1978) [1972–1978]
- Cheryl Bentyne - Soprano vocalist; replaced Massé and contributed to group's Grammy-winning era (All albums (1979–2023)) [1979–2023]
- Trist Curless - Bass vocalist; joined after Hauser's death (Albums and tours (2014–2023)) [2014–2023]
- Yaron Gershovsky - Pianist and music director; long-time touring and recording collaborator (Live performances, studio albums) [1990s–2023]
- Tony Bennett - Guest artist; recorded and performed together (Collaborative performances) [1980s–2000s]
- Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker, Zoot Sims - Jazz musicians; featured on early albums ('The Manhattan Transfer' (1975)) [1975]
Artists Influenced
- New York Voices - Inspired by Manhattan Transfer's vocal jazz innovation and arrangements (Entire discography) [1980s–present]
- m-pact - A cappella group influenced by Manhattan Transfer's style; Trist Curless was a member before joining TMT (Various albums and performances) [1990s–present]
- Take 6 - Cited Manhattan Transfer as an influence on their jazz vocal approach (Entire discography) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Coming Out | 1976-08-19 | Album |
| Mecca For Moderns | 1981-06-01 | Album |
| The Manhattan Transfer | 1975-04-02 | Album |
| Extensions | 1979-10-31 | Album |
| Brasil | 1987-11-15 | Album |
| Bodies And Souls (Remastered Edition) | 1983-09-01 | Album |
| Tonin' | 1995-01-24 | Album |
| Pastiche | 1978-01-19 | Album |
| The Junction | 2018-03-30 | Album |
| Bop Doo-Wopp | 1984-01-01 | Album |
| International (Electro Swing) | 2025-06-13 | Album |
| Swing | 1997-01-01 | Album |
| Vocalese | 1985-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Chanson d'Amour (Coming Out)
- Tuxedo Junction (The Manhattan Transfer)
- Smile Again (Mecca For Moderns)
- Boy From New York City (Mecca For Moderns)
- Spice Of Life - Remastered (Bodies And Souls (Remastered Edition))
- Soul Food To Go (Sina) (Brasil)
- White Christmas (feat. The Manhattan Transfer) (A Pentatonix Christmas Deluxe)
- Java Jive (The Manhattan Transfer)
- The Speak Up Mambo (CUENTAME) (Coming Out)
- Birdland (Extensions)
External Links
Tags: #a-cappella, #jazz-fusion, #pop
References
Heard on WWOZ
THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2025 | 16:31 | ANOTHER NIGHT IN TUNISIAfrom VOCALESE | Sitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray | |
| Oct 13, 2025 | 08:22 | The Man Who Sailed Around His Soulfrom Fifty | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall |