Her professional career began at the international beverage company, Joseph E. Seagram & Sons where she assumed various positions in Human Resources and Public Relations. 

 

In 1990, she continued her corporate journey by joining the marketing division of Anheuser-Busch, Inc.. In her capacity as the Northeast Regional Manager, she was responsible for creating culturally sensitive brand marketing programs. During her tenure, she garnered a host of accolades and awards from organizations such as The National Bar Association, The Greater New York Chapter of the Links and the New York NAACP for her outstanding community service. Her most proud accomplishment was producing “The Jazzmobile Vocal Competition” sponsored by Budweiser.

 

The Board Room was not the only place where Ms. Holiday honed her personal growth and development. 

 

Cynthia began vocal training in 1990 with the Newark School of The Arts and privately with composer Duke Anderson, Kevin Mahogany, Ulysses Slaughter, Rita DaCosta Turrentine, and several other "Greats" in the music business.

Cynthia's interest in jazz began with her father, Calvin Hughes. He led his own big band and played with Count Basie, Frank Foster, Clark Terry and Big Maybelle. So, it was only natural for her to turn to music even before retiring as an executive in the business world. Cynthia quickly realized that this was her true calling: to use her voice to interpret songs in her own unique way, blending classic jazz styling with soulful undertones and presenting them in a sophisticated way that befits today's audiences.

 

In 2008, Cynthia's debut CD, "All The Way - Cynthia Holiday featuring The Cedar Walton Trio" was released. The trio consisted of Cedar Walton (piano), David Williams (bass), and Joe Farnsworth on drums. The "All The Way” CD was produced by John Schneider and Eulis Cathy for Miles High Records.

 

“All the Way” featuring the Cedar Walton Trio (available on Amazon and Itunes)

The Jazz Song Stylist has gone on to make new fans throughout the US and internationally. She performed with the TS Monk Septet in Japan as well as the Oleg Butman Trio in Russia.

 

Cynthia currently coaches aspiring singers on the art of performing on stage. She feels a special connection with children and enjoys working with ordinary people who just want to enjoy the thrill of singing on stage.

 

Married to Robert Moore, Cynthia has one adult son, Lee Gallman and 3 beautiful grandchildren.  

“Cynthia seeks to continue the tradition of jazz women who sing the blues, a style that has become a lost art among vocalists. I hear the humor of Helen Humes, the soul of Ernestine Anderson, the warm timber of Nancy Wilson and the storytelling of Marlena Shaw, but make no mistake what you hear is pure Cynthia Holiday.”

 

— According to WBGO JAZZ 88 host Sheila Anderson