THE SISTERING

The Sistering: A Collective Force

by Ronald E. Scott

The four diva song stylists of jazz—Lois Deloatch, Nnenna Freelon, Lenora Zenzalai Helm and Kate McGarry, all based in North Carolina—have enjoyed a meaningful relationship and support system for many years. When they were not working, they often met over good food and wine. “While relaxing, we found ourselves sharing heartaches, hopes, joys, tears and speaking our deepest creative dreams into being,” says Kate. Those living room conversations evolved into a musical collective called the Sistering.

Kate, a native of Massachusetts, is a Grammy‑nominated vocalist and educator with eight albums blending folk, pop and jazz. She has also served as a jazz ambassador to sixteen countries.

“People ask us how we came together, but it was so organic—it was like the universe called us like a magnet,” says Nnenna. “We are separate and together at the same time. We are not a group; we share the same musical language. We inspire and learn from each other’s skills and talents.” Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Nnenna is a vivid storyteller of song, a seven‑time Grammy nominee, a 2023 inductee into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and has fifteen albums to her credit.

While these vocalists have performed on major stages around the world and earned ten Grammy nominations among them, they have now joined forces as a seasoned collective on their recently released album The Sistering, a twelve‑track recording of compositions dealing with life, compassion, loss and family. They each composed two songs and co‑wrote “Origins” and “River Song.” The music is emotional, joyful and compassionate—a warm mosaic quilt of jazz, ballads, gospel and folk. The album was released on Lenora’s independent label, Zenzalai Music.

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