Dee Alexander stands as one of Chicago's most celebrated jazz vocalists, embodying what the Chicago Tribune calls "fearless innovation, respect for tradition and irrepressible creativity." A West Side native who discovered jazz through her mother's love of Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald, Alexander has become a vital force in Chicago's musical landscape and beyond.
As a proud member of the legendary AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians), Alexander seamlessly weaves together gospel, blues, R&B, world music, and spontaneous improvisation. Her collaborative spirit has led to recordings and performances with luminaries including Ramsey Lewis, Hamid Drake, Ernest Dawkins, and the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, while her mentorship under multi-instrumentalist "Light" Henry Huff shaped her into an accomplished voice improviser unafraid to "take risks and cross boundaries."
Alexander's commitment to community runs deep. Through the Chicago West Community Music Center, she mentors young vocalists, helping them develop their live performance skills and prepare for competitions. Her curatorial work includes producing a centennial concert to Dinah Washington for the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival and creating programming inspired by Charles White's retrospective at the Art Institute of Chicago. Alexander also performed with Ernest Dawkins celebrating the AACM at the International Jazz Day 15th Anniversary All-Star Global Concert at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
Recognized with the 2020 Esteemed Artist Award and 2012 3Arts Award, Alexander continues to elevate Chicago's musical heritage through her syndicated WFMT Jazz Network radio show, reaching over 200 markets. Her acclaimed album Wild is the Wind earned five stars in DownBeat and international recognition, while her 2026 Jazz Legacies Fellowship from the Jazz Foundation of America celebrates her ongoing contributions to the art form.
From Newport Jazz Festival to international tours, Alexander remains rooted in Chicago, nurturing the next generation while carrying forward the city's rich jazz tradition.
Profile caption: Dee Alexander head turned left, hair up, smiling wearing jewelry designed by Akosua Bandele Designs Profile image by: Photographer: Jim Newberry 2012
Jazz Legacies Fellowship photo
Photographer: Laylah Amatullah Bahrain 2026
Featured Artworks
Dee Alexander has crowd-funded a project with 3AP
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- $6,720 raised of $5,000 goal
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Celebrating the role of music in my life and my mother's creative influence, "Songs My Mother Loves" will be a new CD recording of favorite jazz compositions as a way of paying tribute and giving thanks.
Read more about Songs My Mother Loves -
- $8,777 raised of $5,000 goal
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Throughout my career it has been my privilege to collaborate with many of Chicago’s most accomplished and respected artists. My long and fulfilling relationships with such organizations as the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, …
Read more about Alexander McLean Project: It's All About Love