The Wijnands's name may be familiar to many; Lucy's father is Bram Wijnands, the great stride pianist, who has performed in Kansas City for years.
Lucy Wijnands has another connection to "The First Lady of Song" having been the Ella Fitzgerald Scholar at the State University of New York Purchase’s Conservatory of Music .
Her song selections for the finals were “Dearly Beloved”, “Laura” and “Too Marvelous for Words” by lyricist Johnny Mercer and previously sung by Fitzgerald.
Asked what can be learned from Ella Fitzgerald's life and career, Wignands replied, "I think she can teach us to always persevere, be joyous and sing from the heart. I think it's always from the heart and telling your story individually."
- Lucy Wijnands, vocalist
