How one vocal group conquered both pop and jazz charts
In short: In 1981, The Manhattan Transfer achieved a rare feat: winning Grammy Awards in both the pop and jazz categories in a single year. From their origins in New York City to their global success, the group's evolution was marked by shifting lineups, unexpected genre-blending, and a remarkable ability to master multiple musical worlds.
Founded in 1969 by Tim Hauser in New York City, the group's identity was never static. Their first incarnation in the 1960s focused on an a cappella-tinged style, releasing only one album, Jukin', before breaking up in 1973. The group's second version, formed in 1972, moved toward vocal jazz. This era saw Hauser meeting Laurel Massé and Janis Siegel, and eventually being introduced to Alan Paul by drummer Roy Markowitz.
The group's most commercially successful era began in 1979. Following a car accident that forced Massé to leave, she was replaced by Cheryl Bentyne. This lineup embraced electronic-styled pop, soul, funk, and rhythmic music. They achieved significant milestones during this period, including a 1981 historic sweep where they won Grammys for both pop and jazz. This included a Best Pop Performance win for "The Boy from New York City" and a Best Jazz Vocal Performance win for "Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)".
Throughout the 1980s, the group continued to pivot between genres. They released the 1983 album Bodies and Souls, which featured R&B chart singles like "Spice of Life," and the 1987 album Brasil, which collaborated with Brazilian musicians. Their 1985 album, Vocalese, was a massive critical success, earning twelve Grammy nominations—a feat second only to Michael Jackson's Thriller at the time. After decades of performing, the group officially retired in 2023.
The group's legacy is defined by this versatility, having won eleven Grammy Awards in total across various categories, from Best Jazz Fusion to Best Pop Performance.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Manhattan Transfer
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