Bobby Short Born in Damnville, Illinois, Bobby Short taught himself to play and sing by ear. He began performing as a child, touring in Vaudeville from the early age of 12, when he was clubbed "the miniature King of Swing " . By 1954, he had begun to record and had attracted a loyal following for his interpretations of popular songs from the 20's and 30 ' s at nightclubs in New York, Hollywood, Paris and London. A major turning point in his career came in 1968, when he appeared in the first of two hugely successful Town Hall concerts with Mabel Mercer. Since then, he has appeared in major concerts halls with the Boston Pops, The Chicago Symphony, The Orchestra of St. Luke ' s and the New York Pops, as well as the symphony orchestras of San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, Denver, Seattle, Atlanta, Detroit and Columbus, to name but a few. Short has performed at the White House during the Nixon, Carter, Reagan and Clinton administrations, as well as made appearances on stage and television as both a performer and actor. He also starred in the film, "For Love Or Money" as well as in the HBO film "Blue Ice " . Short has also been nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1993 and 1994 for his Telarc recordings, "Late Night at the Cafe Carlyle", and "Swing That Music " . He is also the recipient of numerous awards including the `James Weldon Award for Outstanding achievement in the Arts", as well as the "New York State Governor's Arts Award." Short has additionally contributed articles to The New York Times, Vogue, Vanity Fair and is also the author of Bobby Short, The Life and Times of a Saloon Singer, a sequel to his widely acclaimed memoir Black and White Baby. For his 30th season at the Cafe Carlyle, Short expanded his usual accompaniment from the trio - piano, bass and drums, to include six horn players. Short has a wide spectrum of interests which include being a trustee at the Studio Museum in Harlem and a board member at the Third Street Music school and Settlement House. He is also the Founder and President of the Duke Ellington Memorial Fund. Studio Museum in Harlem Opened in 1968 as a studio and exhibition space, The Studio Museum in Harlem has grown into an active and vital institution encompassing exhibition galleries, expanded studio and workshop space, a sculpture garden, storage facilities, and an archive, as well as a Museum Store. The Museum is the leading presenter and interpreter of the art of Black America and the African Diaspora and has expanded the breadth of American art through its important permanent collection, major exhibitions and leading scholarships. The Museum has played a leadership role in focusing critical attention to African American art, which has stimulated interest in the field among the general public, patrons and collectors, as well as other institutions. As the leading center for the study of African-American art in America, the Museum is dedicated to the preservation, documentation, and presentation of the art of Black America and the African Dispora. The educational and public programs of the Museum serve a significant and diverse audience , and the Museum provides the primary training ground for African-American museum professionals and artists. Its critically acclaimed exhibitions travel nationally and internationally to major art institutions, allowing audiences to explore the enduring legacy of African American art. The museum is currently undertaking a major renovation and expansion to enhance the programs it provides to the local community and its national audiences, which will include new permanent collection galleries, a striking new facade, and an auditorium. Bobby Short is a long time supporter of the Museum having served on its board of Trustees since 1986. For further information about Studio Museum in Harlem contact: 144 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027. Tel. (212) 864-4500