Richard Cortez

Activist Jazz Voice

Richard Cortez, NYC’s golden-voiced interpreter of the Great American Songbook, blends jazz tradition with bold queer activism in powerful performances.

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About

Richard Cortez is a New York City–based jazz vocalist known for his golden baritone voice and deep affinity for the Great American Songbook. An openly queer artist and activist, he founded NYC’s only jazz jam in a queer bar (Club Cumming) and has shared stages with Emmet Cohen, Jerry Weldon, and Grant Stewart among others. He also worked through the COVID-19 pandemic both as an essential worker and by curating music events to support fellow artists.