Nancy Harrow, a 91-year-old jazz singer and composer, is taking her musical talents to Off-Broadway.
Her latest compositions are for the plays “About Love” and “Three Sisters,” two Russian plays from the 19th century. The musicals feature an original jazz score by Harrow and are performed by a live jazz quartet.
“I’ve always loved singing with jazz musicians,” Harrow said. “And I’ve learned something from every musician that I’ve ever worked with.”
Harrow joined “News All Day” anchor Ruschell Boone on Women Wednesday to speak about her career in the music industry.
Her first album was released in 1961 when she was 31-years-old. Since then, she has released over 20 albums.
Harrow says her inspiration for composing music often comes from the play's story.
“I find it’s much easier to write songs when the story is written by someone else and just following the story and understanding it and reliving it,” she said.
She says inspiration for composing a melody usually strikes while taking a walk in the park.
“I think the rhythm of walking inspires the song, the melody,” she said. “Then I rush back to the house and play it on the piano.”
Harrow said she has no plans to retire soon and hopes to continue working on musicals.