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China Forbes
ChinaForbes.jpg
Forbes with Pink Martini in concert, 2006
Background information
Born (1970-04-29) April 29, 1970 (age 55)
Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter
Labels Heinz
Associated acts Pink Martini

China Forbes is a talented American singer and songwriter. She is best known as the lead singer of the popular band Pink Martini. She has been with the band since 1995. In 2022, China Forbes received the Ella Fitzgerald award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. This award honors great jazz singers.

Early Life and Music Journey

China Forbes was born on April 29, 1970, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She grew up in Cambridge. Her father had French and Scottish family roots. Her mother is African-American.

China went to Phillips Exeter Academy for high school. After that, she studied visual arts at Harvard University. At Harvard, she met Thomas Lauderdale, who is a skilled pianist. They became good friends and often played music together. While at Harvard, she also won an award for her acting.

Starting a Career in Music

After finishing college in 1992, China Forbes worked as an actress for a few years. She performed in plays in New York City. Later, she decided to focus on music. She started her own band and recorded a solo album.

She sang the song "Ordinary Girl" for the TV show Clueless. She also sang "Que Sera Sera" for the movie In the Cut.

Joining Pink Martini

While China Forbes was living in Portland, Oregon, Thomas Lauderdale asked her to join his new band, Pink Martini. He had formed the band to play at special events. For three years, she traveled from New York to Portland to sing with them. In 1998, she moved to Portland to work with Pink Martini full-time.

China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale have written many songs together for the band. One of their most famous songs is "Sympathique (Je ne Veux Pas Travailler)".

Solo Music and Collaborations

Besides her work with Pink Martini, China Forbes has also released her own music. Her solo albums include Love Handle, released in November 1995. Another album, '78, came out in 2008 on Heinz Records. This album features her original song "Hey Eugene" in its first version.

She has also sung with other artists. She performed a duet called "How Long Will It Last?" with Michael Feinstein on his album The Sinatra Project. She also recorded two songs in French with Georges Moustaki for his album Solitaire.

Family Connections

China Forbes has some interesting family connections. She is a cousin of John Kerry, who was a U.S. Secretary of State. She is also related to Ed Droste, a musician from the band Grizzly Bear. Her sister, Maya Forbes, is a talented screenwriter and director.

Discography

Solo Albums

  • Love Handle (November, 1995)
  • '78 (Heinz, 2008)
  • The Road (2024)

With Pink Martini

  • Sympathique (Heinz, 1997)
  • Hang on Little Tomato (Heinz, 2004)
  • Hey Eugene! (Heinz, 2007)
  • Splendor in the Grass (Heinz, 2009)
  • Joy to the World (Heinz, 2010)
  • Get Happy (Heinz, 2013)
  • Je Dis Oui! (Heinz, 2013)

Collaborations with Other Artists

  • 2003 Cruising Attitude, Dimitri from Paris
  • 2008 Solitaire, Georges Moustaki
  • 2008 The Sinatra Project, Michael Feinstein

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: China Forbes para niños

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