Pink Martini Biography

Pink Martini, an American musical group founded in 1994, emerged from the creative vision of pianist Thomas Lauderdale in Portland, Oregon. Initially, Lauderdale's aspirations leaned toward a career in politics, but he soon discovered that the political arena was not to his liking. This realization prompted him to return to his true passion: music. With a foundation in classical piano and composition, he sought to create a unique musical experience that would resonate with diverse audiences.

Lauderdale set out to form what he fondly refers to as a "little orchestra," aiming to blend elements of jazz, pop, and classical music in an accessible way. Collaborating with co-lead vocalist China Forbes, he began composing for Pink Martini, producing a distinctive sound that would captivate listeners. The group's breakout single, "Sympathique," became a sensation in Europe, particularly in France, where it was nominated for Song of the Year. This early success set the stage for Pink Martini's rise to prominence.

The turning point for the band came after their performance at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997, where they garnered attention and media buzz. This led to the release of their debut album, Sympathique, cementing their reputation as an international sensation and significantly increasing their fan base both in Europe and the United States.

Since their inception, Pink Martini has delighted audiences worldwide, performing with more than fifty acclaimed orchestras across the globe. Following the success of Sympathique, they have released a total of seven albums, the most recent being Dream a Little Dream, which debuted in 2014. Their music has also been featured in various films, such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Shanghai Kiss, as well as popular television series like The West Wing, The Sopranos, and Sherlock.

Characterized by their eclectic sound, Pink Martini seamlessly blends classical, Latin, traditional pop, and jazz, making them a unique entity in the music landscape.