Grammy-nominated album shines light on transgender pioneer

Kristin M. Hall, The Associated Press</span>
Published Wednesday, January 16, 2019 12:10PM EST

NASHVILLE -- For decades, Jackie Shane was a musical mystery: a riveting black transgender soul singer who packed out nightclubs in Toronto in the 1960s, but then disappeared after 1971.

But a Grammy-nominated album of her music called "Any Other Way" released in 2017 has awakened a wider interest in the pioneering singer. Now 78, Shane lives a very private life in Nashville, Tennessee, but realized she couldn't stay hidden any longer.

Shane grew up in the Jim Crow-era South, singing with gospel groups and working as a session musician, but found her real home as a singer in Toronto's R&B scene four decades ago. She said she feels overwhelmed at the number of people who are just now discovering her music.

The Grammys will air live on Feb. 10.

Let's block ads! (Why?)