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Best Jazz Performer 33.48% Francie Zucco*
Others with Votes (more than one):
* On the ballot | 
Francie Zucco, winner of this year’s Whammy
for Best Jazz Performer, is one busy lady. She
performs regularly with either a trio, a quartet
or a quintet at a number of Fort Wayne clubs.
When she does larger concerts and venues, the
billing is Francie Zucco and Friends.
Originally from Pennsylvania, she attended Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh and Ohio University at Youngstown and holds a degree in foreign language studies. Prior to coming to Fort Wayne, she worked in television at WLWD in Dayton, Ohio. In the 15 years she has been in Fort Wayne she has made her presence felt in the local jazz community. “There’s been a re-awakening of this music,” she said. “There are just not enough places to play here, though.” To most listeners, her music is jazz, but she also includes standards that date back to the 1920s. “What we do is kind of similar to k.d. lang,” she said. “We also play Beatles and Stevie Wonder, material that’s outside of jazz. I’m also a big fan of 1970s music.” No matter what you might call the genre, Zucco leaves a jazz imprint on it. She’s won the Whammy Award for Best Jazz Performer in 1999, 2000 and 2001. She also won the Journal Gazette’s Reader’s Poll for Jazz Performer of the Year in 2003. “I think the jazz scene should open up more. We don’t have that many female vocalists in Fort Wayne who sing jazz. I’ve been overwhelmed that I’ve won so many times. The fans who come to shows are great. They’ve become fans over the years.” Her latest Whammy win is not only recognition for Zucco’s ability, it’s appreciation for a genre of music with deep roots in American culture. Zucco and other jazz performers in the local scene are true artists who help provide musical diversity for an ever increasing audience. As she said, there’s a re-awakening of jazz in Fort Wayne, and everyone who loves great music owes Zucco a big thank you for her part in making it so. “Its an honor for me to win again,” she said. “I love the Whammys. (John DeGroff) |
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