A brilliant singer who spent a long period off the scene, Janet Lawson is long overdue for much greater recognition. She performed on the radio and regional television as a child. In 1960, she moved to New York where she worked with Art Farmer, Ron Carter, Duke Pearson, Chick Corea, and others during the decade. Lawson appeared regularly on Steve Allen's television show (1968-1969), worked in theater, and in 1976, formed a quintet. She recorded two superb albums in 1980 and 1983 for Inner City and Omnisound. Lawson (an inventive and expressive scat singer with a very wide range) also appeared on records by Eddie Jefferson (1977) and David Lahm (1982). Her father's long-term illness resulted in her leaving music for much of the second half of the 1980s, but Janet Lawson has worked as a jazz educator and gigged on the East Coast. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide