Laurel Massé is a vocalist, musician, and educator whose wide-ranging musical background helped shape the original sound of The Manhattan Transfer. Born in Holland, Michigan, and raised in Westchester County, New York, Laurel grew up surrounded by music. Her mother sang opera, her grandfather performed with Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians, and Laurel studied piano and cello before teaching herself guitar. Her early influences ranged from Beethoven and Pablo Casals to the Beatles, and she performed in choirs and rock bands throughout high school.

The Taxi Ride That Started It All

In 1972, while working as a waitress in New York City, Laurel stepped into a taxi driven by Tim Hauser. The chance meeting brought together two aspiring singers and ultimately led to the formation of the classic Manhattan Transfer lineup with Janis Siegel and Alan Paul. Laurel’s ability to move comfortably between jazz, pop, rock, swing, and classical music became an essential part of the group’s distinctive sound.

The Original Manhattan Transfer

As an original member of The Manhattan Transfer, Laurel toured internationally, appeared on television, and recorded with the group during its rise to worldwide success. After leaving the group following a serious car accident in 1979, she began a solo career and released her debut album, Alone Together, in 1984.

Performing, Recording and Teaching

Laurel later expanded her work into classical and Celtic music while continuing to perform, record, and teach. She has served as an instructor at the Ashokan Music and Dance Camp, the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University, Dartmouth College, and the Royal Academy of Music in London. She has also performed as a soloist and choir member at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.