Lindsey Webster
Vocalist • Songwriter
Few vocalists have reshaped contemporary jazz quite like Lindsey Webster. With a voice that effortlessly bridges soul, R&B, pop, and jazz, she has become one of the format's most recognizable artists while bringing vocal performances back to the forefront of smooth jazz. Her music pairs memorable melodies with deeply personal songwriting, creating songs that feel equally at home on jazz radio, in intimate concert halls, and through a late-night pair of headphones. Since breaking chart records with "Fool Me Once," Webster has continued building a catalog defined by warmth, honesty, and unmistakable artistry.
Artist Snapshot
Quick Facts
New York
The Voice That Changed the Conversation
For years, contemporary jazz was largely an instrumental landscape. Lindsey Webster helped change that narrative. When "Fool Me Once" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Smooth Jazz chart in 2016, it wasn't simply another chart success—it marked the return of a vocalist leading a format traditionally dominated by saxophones and guitars.
Since then, Webster has consistently demonstrated that exceptional songwriting and authentic vocal performances belong at the center of contemporary jazz. Her music never relies on vocal acrobatics for attention; instead, she communicates with nuance, intimacy, and emotional honesty. That's a rare combination—and one that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
From the listening room
Essential Listening
Fool Me Once (2015)
The breakthrough hit that made history, introducing Lindsey Webster's signature blend of soul and contemporary jazz while becoming the first vocal-driven No. 1 Smooth Jazz hit since Sade.
Where Do You Want To Go (2017)
A beautifully crafted groove with effortless vocals and one of the defining recordings of her early Shanachie years.
Love Inside (2018)
Elegant, romantic, and unmistakably Lindsey Webster—this title track perfectly captures her smooth vocal style and songwriting strengths.
I feel that the highlight of my career is still an unfolding journey. There is excitement around every corner of my life and work.
— lindsey webster
Artist Profile
The Story Behind the Music
Growing up in Woodstock, New York, Lindsey Webster was surrounded by creativity long before she stepped into a recording studio. Music filled the house—from classic rock and Motown to soul legends—and those influences quietly became part of her musical DNA. Although she began as a cellist, it didn't take long before her voice became her true instrument, leading her to study at New York City's renowned Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
Rather than chasing trends, Webster built her career around authentic songwriting. Working closely with pianist, producer, and longtime collaborator Keith Slattery, she developed a sound that balances sophisticated jazz arrangements with melodies that linger long after the song ends. The result is music that feels equally accessible to longtime jazz fans and listeners discovering the genre for the first time.
Everything changed in 2016 when "Fool Me Once" climbed to the top of Billboard's Smooth Jazz chart. The accomplishment carried significance well beyond chart numbers—it proved there was still a place for vocal storytelling in a format largely defined by instrumental performers. Rather than becoming a one-hit moment, it launched a string of chart successes that firmly established Webster as the leading female voice in contemporary jazz.
Subsequent albums have continued expanding her musical palette, incorporating richer R&B influences, thoughtful collaborations, and increasingly personal songwriting. Whether she's delivering an intimate ballad or an upbeat groove, Webster brings the same conversational honesty that has become her signature. Her performances never feel manufactured—they feel lived.
Today, Lindsey Webster stands as one of the genre's defining vocalists, continuing to prove that contemporary jazz is just as powerful when its stories are sung as when they're played.
In Media
Artist Gallery
Lounge Notes
From the Lounge
A Great Fit for the Lounge
Lindsey Webster represents everything I appreciate about contemporary jazz when vocals are given room to shine. There's a natural ease to her performances that never feels forced or over-produced. She doesn't simply sing over smooth jazz arrangements—she becomes part of them, allowing the melody, lyrics, and musicianship to breathe together. What continues to impress me is her consistency. Album after album, she delivers music that's sophisticated without becoming distant and soulful without losing its elegance. She's helped remind listeners that great contemporary jazz isn't limited to instrumental virtuosity. Sometimes the most memorable voice in the room is exactly what the music needs.
Continue Exploring
More from the Artists Lounge
Artists Lounge
Discover More Artists Inside the Lounge
Explore more profiles, featured musicians, and the sounds that shape Vighpyr’s Place.