Biography

A singer and performing/recording artist, Sandra Marlowe brings deep presence, undeniable power and sheer sass to the performing stage. She is an evocative singer, choosing material that is nostalgic or contemporary – funny, sexy, playful, sweet, haunting, pensive, poignant, dark, edgy – often challenging, always authentic. Whether recording in the studio, performing a show, providing liturgical music, or entertaining friends in her living room, Marlowe expresses a formidable range of emotion, navigating the profound depths yet the subtleties of human experience.

A vocal storyteller and improviser at heart, Marlowe’s foray into blues and jazz debuted center stage in 2012, with a jazz CD release, “True Blue.”, garnering national and international acclaim. Jazz pianist/arranger Larry Dunlap crafted sumptuous arrangements for “True Blue.” and enlisted Bay Area California top-drawer musicians to complement this songstress whose life embodies the art of reinvention and whose reputation is built on “edge of your seat” surprises. Working with Dunlap as co-producer/pianist/arranger again in 2020 to record and release her CD, “The Heart Always Remembers,” Marlowe shared her skill as a songwriter in several originals – Corner Store Blues, A Sweet Wind and the title cut, The Heart Always Remembers.

Born in rural North Dakota, Sandra’s musical journey began while a toddler, humming wordless melodies in a rocking chair. She was a shy kid growing up in a sheltered community, but a church solo at six years old inspired her parents to further her talent with music lessons. Early interests in classical music, opera, piano, theater, pop, and the Great American Songbook developed into decades of formal and private study in piano, voice, repertoire and performance. Marlowe’s impressive vocal technique and serious chops are evident in the broad spectrum of color, nuance, emotional and physical range she brings to her work. This world-class voice captures audiences, while a warm wit and engaging personality draw her, the musicians and audiences together in soul-revving moments. Marlowe performs at clubs, festivals, events, theaters and arts centers around the U.S., and is a featured guest artist with symphonies and orchestras.

Marlowe’s knowledge and integrity underlie every project she puts her name to as performer, educator and producer. A sought-after music director for churches and theater companies as well as a voice teacher with a private studio, Marlowe advises and produces on recording projects for fellow artists, releasing music and media projects under her label, LoveDog! Media. Her latest creative project, birthed after relocating from California to the Inland Northwest, is a musical revue entitled “What She Said/The DIVAS Concert.” With sold-out houses and rave reviews, this audience-interactive, cabaret show presents women’s perspectives through stories and songs and features seven divas (from six decades!) – vocalists with an all-female band – performing five genres of music, and saying it, singing it, like it is!