Join us on the brand-new Bijou Stage on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 3:30 PM for an unforgettable performance by Champian Fulton. Experience her rich and heartfelt sounds in an intimate setting. Don’t miss this tribute!

“Here’s To Life”-Champian Fulton’s Tribute to Shirley Horne

Both Shirley Horn and Champian Fulton are among the rare and revered artists who seamlessly blend their talents as jazz pianists and vocalists. Like Horn, Champian’s artistry is steeped in elegance, subtlety, and emotional depth, capturing the intimacy of storytelling through her voice and the harmonic richness of her piano playing. Both musicians embody a tradition of jazz that values nuance and connection, using their dual talents to evoke a profound sense of artistry.  

Champian’s “Here’s to Life” tribute honors the late Shirley Horn’s enduring legacy, particularly her signature interpretation of the song and its themes of gratitude, reflection, and resilience. Horn, celebrated for her soulful delivery and exquisite phrasing, brought unparalleled emotion to “Here’s to Life”, which became an anthem of her later years. Fulton’s tribute mirrors this spirit, drawing on her own ability to balance vocal expression with masterful piano accompaniment, much like Horn, who was often described as the equal of piano greats like Bill Evans and Ahmad Jamal.  

In this heartfelt homage, Champian reflects on Horn’s journey, from her roots in Washington, D.C.’s vibrant U Street jazz scene to her groundbreaking recordings like Here’s to Life and collaborations with jazz luminaries like Miles Davis. Fulton’s performance serves as a testament to Horn’s influence on a new generation of jazz musicians, ensuring that her legacy as a pianist, vocalist, and innovator continues to inspire.  

Audiences can expect Fulton to channel Horn’s introspective artistry, weaving themes of life’s highs and lows into a deeply personal and uplifting tribute. With her ability to combine technical brilliance and emotional resonance, Champian Fulton truly embodies the timeless spirit of Shirley Horn.

About Champian Fulton  

Champian, born in Norman, Oklahoma in 1985, is celebrated as “the most gifted pure Jazz singer of her generation” (Detroit Free Press). A pianist and vocalist for over 20 years, she has released 18 albums as a leader, performed in more than 25 countries, and earned accolades like Album of the Year (NYC Jazz Record) and Pianist and Vocalist of the Year (Hot House Magazine).  

Her career began at age 10, performing at Clark Terry’s 75th Birthday Party. Since then, she’s shared the stage with Jazz legends such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Nicholas Payton, and Jimmy Cobb. A regular at Birdland for over two decades, her 2023 album Meet Me at Birdland was hailed as Best Vocal Album of the Year (NYC Jazz Record).  

Champian’s global performances include Lincoln Center, Tangier Jazz Festival, and the Emmy-nominated TV special Take Me Back to Manhattan. Her discography spans various styles, from duo albums with Cory Weeds and her father, Stephen Fulton, to tributes like Birdsong, celebrating Charlie Parker. Known for her “galvanizing presence” (The New Yorker), Champian continues to captivate audiences with her artistry and devotion to the Jazz tradition.