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Best Jazz Performer 28.41% Francie Zucco*
Others with Votes:
1998 Winner: Bob Greene
1997 Winner: Arlene Skiles
* On the ballot
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It would be a pleasant fate to be as good and as enthusiastic about your work for as long as Francie Zucco has been.
For the last eight years, Zucco has been a fixture in the local jazz scene, although she emphasizes that her live performances may include country music and
other standards as well as the jazz repertoire. Whatever she sings, Zucco does it with consumate professionalism and dedication, and has over a long and
varied career.
"I got my start early. My mother said I was born singing," Zucco said.
Her professional start came somewhat later, singing on an Ohio television station. She also has had a solid career singing in jazz clubs in California, Florida,
Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Locally, she can be seen at Hall’s Triangle Park, Bill’s Bistro, the Ramada Inn in Warsaw and at Henry’s. Zucco has become a sort of engine that helps to
drive the local jazz scene. She works with as many as 35 other musicians, sometimes going to more than one show a night, singing with different bands in
different locations.
She also performs in and coordinates summer concerts at the Foellinger Theater, an outdoor theater that is one of Fort Wayne’s more appealing venues.
Her CDs include Like Lyrical, Modernicity, the Whammy-nominated Enero and a recently released Christmas album.
Despite all her travels and successes in far-flung places, Zucco is happier than ever to call Fort Wayne home.
At the 2000 Readers Best of Poll Awards Show, she was backed by a trio of talented Snider High School students, known as Free Time: David Holloway on
piano, Ben Sloan on drums and Andrew Kratzat on bass, as well as guitarist Ken Jehle.
"I love it here. It’s just the perfect site for me. You can find the best, state-of-the-art recording facilities and the best musicians I’ve ever played with," she said.
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