Lucy Woodward has breathed music her entire life, her father a composer/conductor and her mother an opera singer/musicologist. Woodward was accepted to the Manhattan School of Music to study jazz, but chose the harder road by paying her dues in cover bands and in Greenwich Village restaurants singing jazz standards.  In 2003 she scored a record deal with Atlantic that produced her first album, While You Can. Well received by critics and fans, the album spawned the song “Dumb Girls” and a year of relentless touring for Woodward. Even a spot on the Tonight Show couldn’t shine a light on the dark feeling that While You Can’s pop laden tracks may not be the creative direction for her.  

    When Woodward was asked to record a big band version of Betty Hutton’s “Its Oh So Quiet,” she was returned to her musical roots and thus began a startling transition from pop idol to sultry jazz songstress. Her reinvention album, Lucy Woodward is…  Hot and Bothered, was a critically lauded showcase for her many talents and deep musical history. 

    In addition to her solo work, Woodward has contributed to film soundtracks, such as The Blind Side, and won a BMI Songwriting Award for her song, “There’s Gotta Be More To Life.” She has worked on American Idol judge Randy Jackson’s newest album, and performed for Desmond Tutu as part of relief efforts for Africa. Known not only for her singing voice, but her intriguing beauty, Woodward will be featured this month in Vogue Italia. 

    Play Music City was happy to catch up with Woodward and chat with her about her career, her influences, and most importantly, music.