Charlotte Crossley

Charlotte Crossley, nicknamed "Charlo," is an American singer, actress, and comedienne whose Broadway career spans from 1969 to 2005. A Chicago native, she studied music and theatre before pursuing a professional career in performance.

Crossley's early stage work included appearances in Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar. In the early 1970s she auditioned for the latter production and was selected for its cast, contributing vocals to the original Broadway cast album released on Decca Broadway. Her subsequent Broadway credits include Tricks and the musical Hairspray, among other productions.

In 1973, Crossley joined Bette Midler as a member of the Harlettes, the backing vocal group associated with Midler's touring and concert work. Her time with the Harlettes encompassed several major engagements, including The Divine Miss M Tour, Clams on the Half-Shell Revue, The Depression Tour, and An Intimate Evening with Bette. She also recorded under the group names The Harlettes and Formerly of the Harlettes.

Crossley took over the role of Motormouth Maybelle in the Broadway production of Hairspray on September 2, 2008. Her performance in the first national tour of the same show earned her the 2005 NAACP Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress.

As a session singer, Crossley has recorded feature and background vocals for a wide range of artists, including Bette Midler, Luther Vandross, Boz Scaggs, Chaka Khan, Barry Manilow, Kiss, Brenda Russell, Marc Shaiman, David Lasley, and The Brecker Brothers. She is a featured artist on The Dreamgirls Dance Project, performing "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and appearing alongside Merry Clayton, Scherrie Payne, and Pam Vincent on "Dreamgirls."

Crossley was a member of Full Swing, a vocal trio completed by Lorraine Feather and Steve March. The Los Angeles Times cited her as the group's strongest vocal personality, noting a burry-edged sound that brought character to her singing. The Springfield Leader described the trio as recreating the vitality and romance of swing era music with contemporary technology and style.

Her film and television work includes the Academy Award-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, the films Sister Act and Sister Act 2, and a supporting role in Robin Williams's performance of "Blame Canada" at the Academy Awards. Crossley has also made live appearances at venues including 54 Below and Lincoln Center, where in August 2012 she performed in a tribute to Laura Nyro alongside Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx, Melba Moore, Desmond Child and Rouge, Felix Cavaliere, Toni Wine, Ula Hedwig, and others.