Blanche Finlay

Blanche Finlay is a jazz, blues, and gospel singer as well as an educator and politician.

Early life

Finlay was born in Jamaica to a Jamaican father and American mother. Finlay's father was a musician who encouraged his children's musical talents. Finlay, her two sisters, and brother were in a choral grop called Parkins Kids and eventually the group consisted only of Finlay and her sisters and was called the Parkins Sisters. She immigrated to Britain in 1955 and initially trained as a nurse.

Musical career

Finlay started her adult singing career performing at the Green Dolphin 3-4 times per week. Eventually she auditioned for Chico Arnéz and was immediately given a twenty-five year contract (although she later had to break it). She performed with his band at the Blue Angel, Dolce Vita, Astor Club, Hatchett Restaurant, and the Adelphi Theater. Chico eventually became her manager. She later sang with the Gordon Robinson Big Band, the Alan Hare Orchestra, the Wally McKenzie Orchestra, and Derek Hilton's Orchestra. She performed at the Welsh Jazz Festival and the Brecon Jazz Festival (with the Speakeasy Jazzband).

In 1967 she and some friends opened the Ebony Club which was a multicultural arts space in Manchester.

Political career

Finlay was also the Black Women's Officer at Manchester City Hall, the Manchester's Women's Equality Development Officer, and the Branch Secretary of Equity.

Education

Finlay attended Ruskin College at Oxford University, where she fought for the rights of married women to live in the residency halls (which were previously only for men) She also graduated from Manchester University and Manchester School of Music.