Charles DeForest

Charles DeForest was a fixture on New York’s cabaret picture for a lot more than 4 decades. A previous presented vocalist for Benny Goodman, he performed in NY piano pubs until a couple weeks before succumbing to tumor in July 1996, closing his career having a three-year-long residency at Danny’s Grand Ocean Palace. DeForest produced his greatest tag being a songwriter, penning music that were documented by Tony Bennett, George Shearing, Chris Connor, and Marian McPartland. His last record, Christopher Gines Sings Charles DeForest, released in 1995, highlighted his piano accompaniment and primary songs. Based on the New York Situations, “The music [DeForest] writes are blithe, Porter-like lyrics traveling on the catchy, rhythmic pulse.” A composer, lyricist, and superstar of musical film Town by Dawn, which received a high award on the Atlanta Film Celebration, DeForest received the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret Traditional prize in 1992 and Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Night clubs prize in 1992 and 1995.