LILLETTE JENKINS-WISNER

Lillette Jenkins-Wisner, dubbed Queen of the Keys is an internationally renowned concert pianist and vocalist. Legendary concert pianists like Lillette Jenkins-Wisner and the late Hazel Scott paved the way for current piano artists like Alicia Keys, John Legend and a host of others. She began her career as Lillette Thomas at the age of six in her hometown of Harlem New York. She was initially trained as a classical musician but developed a strong interest in Gospel, Ragtime, Jazz and Popular music. In addition to her musical studies from New York University, she has studied at the New York College of Music, Julliard School of Music, and the Westminister Choir College in Princeton, N.J. She is the widow of legendary Actor and Comedian Bud Harris and former engineer and entrepreneur Elbert Wisner. Bud Harris was known for starring roles in both film and televsion when it was unheard of for African Americans to play anything but maids and butlers. Bud managed Lillette's career until his untimely death from a heart attack.

Lillette performed with the Special Services Unit of the United States Army during WWII, early in her career and continued with a demanding schedule of concerts, shows, round-the-world cruises and club performances. She has shared the stage with other legends like, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Lena Horne and more recently Billy Joel. With most legendary performers having passed on Lillette's daughter Adrienne Lillette decided to preserve her mothers legacy by establishing the "Queen of the Keys Award" for financially challenged students pursuing performing arts as a career. The QK Award will be a part of Lillette Jenkins-Wisner's legacy. The awards are given out annually by Lillette's Foundation for the Arts 501c3. The 2016 award ceremony is currently in preparation and details will be announced shortly.

Lillette's On Stage performances include the Broadway Hit show "The Lady and her Music" which starred Lena Horne, Music Director for the Off-Broadway musical hit, "One Mo' Time" and Music Director and performer in the production, "The Life Story of Thomas A. Dorsey," the father of Black Gospel music which is considered to be one of her most honored accomplishments. Other shows include: "The Sarah Vaughn Jazz Festival, "Sparrow in Flight" and the Theatre production of "Eubie Blake." In addition, she has been in several movies including "The Cotton Club" and appeared regularly as a night club host and jazz pianist on the ABC-TV television soap opera series, "All My Children." 

Lillette now retired is totally committed with her family in fundraising efforts that will keep Queen of the Keys Awards funded for the annual scholarship program. The world long ago discovered Lillette Jenkins-Wisner and new generations continue to discover her, continue to be amazed at her musical ability and continue to be inspired by her energy and love of life. Most of all her generousity will be her legacy for years to come. Stay tuned for the upcoming Off Broadway musical Lillette's Rhythm Club and her book "Generation 5" a biogarhical look at five generations of her family and the role they played and continue to play in her life and career. 

The Broadway Bound musical Lillette's Rhythm Club will star phenom Concert Pianist/Actress and Powerhouse Speaker Jade Simmons. She was handpicked by Adrienne Lillette after a long and intensive search to find someone comparable to portray the music legend. Lillette and Jade are a powerhouse musical team embarking on an historical journey and sharing the story of Lillette's Rhythm Club with the world.