Elaine Rachlin Singer from Rhinebeck, NY

Elaine Rachlin is a multi-lingual vocalist, singing in French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, and Yiddish. In recent years she has added a large number of American standards to her repertoire, while performing with John Halsey's jazz and swing combos. Her two hero's are Edith Piaf and Billie holiday. She was first inspired to sing, growing up in Schenectady, NY, listening to her mother Mary Rachlin, a former radio singer. At Skidmore College she majored in French and minored in voice. Graduate study followed at the Middlebury School of Languages, including a year in Paris. During this time she took up guitar (later studying with Eric Darling of the Weavers), and became active as a folk singer. Later travel took her to Israel, where she performed at the Khan club in Jerusalem, the Israeli Absorption Ministry, on radio broadcasts, and at several kibbutzim. Returning to the USA, Elaine continued her musical career in NYC, appearing at hotels such as the Waldorf and the Hilton, and doing numerous private engagements, both on guitar and as a featured vocalist, at clubs such as the Red Blazer, Cajun, and Judy's Cabaret. Much in demand-- especially for French programs such as Bastille Day celebrations and April in Paris tributes-- she currently appears regularly at The historic Rhinecliff Hotel in the Hudson Valley. Elaine describes her philosophy as follows: "For me, singing is a spiritual experience through which I can share my passion for music, communicating in different languages with all kinds of audiences, large and small." I can work as a duo, trio, and a quartet as well and carry my own sound system.