Starlite Vocalists' Bios

The Starlite Orchestra and Octette work with these talented and versatile vocalists.

• Karen Henderson, a native-born, singing Washingtonian is a well- loved entertainer whose energetic and melodious voice style has been showcased nationally on both the Mike Douglas and Merv Griffin Shows and at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. In the Washington, DC area, she has performed at such venues as Blues Alley, the Cellar Door, Charlie's Georgetown, and Anton's 1201 Club, and has had several long-running engagements at major hotels. For four years, Karen appeared at the Fort Myers Officers Club in Arlington. For 12 years, Karen Henderson was heard as the overnight voice on radio station WMAL. As an air personality, Karen hosted the July 4th show on the Washington Monument Grounds, and performed 11 Christmas Eve concerts at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She has appeared in concert on the U.S. Capitol Steps, and at the Air and Space Museum, with bands that include the Army Blues, Airmen of Note, Air Force Symphony, the Navy Commodores, and the Starlite Orchestra. She has been awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the U.S. Navy Band. Karen's Photo.

• Philadelphia-born Charlene Cochran is a vocalist, band leader and independent contractor. As the song says, she's "tall and tan, and young and lovely" and has a dark and haunting look about her as well as a beautiful, well-modulated voice. Charlene's broad-based background includes a double B.A. degree in psychology and vocal performance from Wesley College, and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to study jazz improvisation. Her varied training and experience includes drama, dance and theater. Charlene has lived in the Washington area since childhood and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, the Washington Monument, the National Gallery of Art, the 219 Club, and for a number of years at the Fort Myers Officers Club in Arlington. She hosted her own radio and TV shows and has been a favorite voice on popular commercials. Charlene leads her own popular music combo called "Fifth Avenue." This summer, Comstock Records released a CD in Europe featuring Charlene singing one of her original compositions. Charlene's Photo.

• Laura Baron is a versatile musician with experience in the world of folk, blues and jazz. She has won recognition for many of her recordings. Laura is also well known for her highly acclaimed children's recordings, which have sold over 80,000 copies. Photos and much more about Laura's current musical interests are on her website. We're glad she still enjoys an occasional big-band gig!