Her vocal career started in 1977, a student at Roosevelt
High School, Roosevelt, Long Island. While busy doing community
plays and concerts; Carolyn was discovered by a lady named Lori
Butler. Lori became manager and took Carolyn under her wing and
help to develop the studio professionalism that Carolyn still holds
strong today. Later, balancing a production deal and the New York
school of Theatrical Arts, Carolyn landed a job with Disney World.
Her first long term engagement away from home. Under the strict
guidance of a very talented team of directors, stage managers, musicians,
stylists, dancers and entertainment executives Carolyn developed
and grew into a well-polished performer. This is the foundation
on which she has based the many levels of show business that her
career has been so blessed to have experienced.
Brother Ricky introduced Carolyn to Dance Music
in 1986. He was an original member of the famed Paradise Garage.
As did many of the key players in dance music at that time, Ricky
past away in 1990. “Ricky was my biggest fan” In his memory Carolyn
vowed to have a dance record released every year. She has done that
and more. Some producers include Winston Jones, Dave Shaw, Joey
Negro, Seamus, Deep Zone, Soul Solution, FUKUTOMI, and Shinji Takeda
among others.
Carolyn has recorded for many of the top Dance Labels
in the U.S. and abroad. Her records have climbed to the tops of
numerous charts across the world. Some of her earlier works include
background vocals for Sal Soul Orchestras, Jocelyn Brown, Little
Louis Vega to name a few.
Carolyn has performed in many countries for thousands
of adoring fans. “When I sing, I wish to touch people in the most
positive way.” She has shared the stage with such greats as Phyllis
Diller, Little Ritchie, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Shannon, Gwen Guthrie,
Sylvester, Thelma Huston, Shirley Bassey, Jeff Krasner and so many
more.
Carolyn has had the honor of performing
as one of the Shirelles. She has created an enormous following in
the dance market worldwide.
After a two ½ year tour up and down the eastern
seaboard, in 1993 Harding returned to New York with her three year
old daughter Brittney and settled on Long Island. Looking for a
weekly income at her craft, Carolyn was introduced to the wedding
industry.
As a freelance vocalist Carolyn worked
for Hank Lane, Steven Scott, Jerry Kravats,
Starlight Orchestras, Ken James, Dance
Jock and a host of other companies.
Late in 1996 Harding started working with Peter
Greco Music & Entertainment as a freelance vocalist. Soon after, Peter made a move to his
own north shore office and Carolyn
began a new career as Production Consultant,
which also included other office management duties.
Carolyn dedicated many hours in the
years to follow cultivating new skills
on the business side of the industry.
In May 2000, just four months after the birth of
her son Jaylin. Carolyn suffered injuries from a car accident. This
made it difficult for her to maintain such a heavy schedule at the
office and performances with Peter Greco.
With much regret Carolyn had to resign
from her position and commit more time to rehabilitation and family.
By October, eager to participate in a business that
she has grown to love, “As a freelance artist I saw so many nightmares,
where brides were crying because a bandleader didn’t even care about
special song presentations that had been requested months in advance…”
Carolyn decided to open an office of her own “CAROLYN HARDING MUSIC”.
“ I want to be there for as many brides as possible to help in any
way that I can…”
Quickly establishing a relationship with
an elegant, five star Caterer on the south shore, As well as an
Events Coordinator. Sharing the same ethics and commitment to excellence,
quality and professionalism as Carolyn. She takes pride in customizing
each package to fit the individual needs of the client.
In spite of its newness the business started to
grow and grow.
Corporate Events, Weddings, Anniversaries,
Birthdays, Night Clubs and Track Dates the phones started ringing.
Harding’s first love has always been
Jazz and Blues.
Her repertoire expands decades also including
R&B,
Pop, Gospel, Island, Jewish, Italian,
Irish and other ethnic specialties.
2003 Carolyn was in the studio much of the year
collaborating with Jazz impresario Al MacDowell on several production
efforts. The first single “What is Love” was release early in 2004
on Gossip Records.
Also that year named the ultimate Star
Seeker Winner by Norwegian Cruise Line, Carolyn has been sailing
the high seas performing for thousands of guests throughout the
Caribbean as a headlining act on the main stage.
In 2005 Carolyn recorded a few tracks for Randy
Muller of Plaza Records, featured on the well-known hit “High, High,
High”
Currently, Carolyn has recorded her
latest musical effort, “All Because
of You” soon to be released on Deep
Haven Records. This will be Harding’s
Neo Soul R&B
debut after making such a strong presence
in the Dance Music world for more than
two decades.