Biographie
The comedic natural beauty, entrepreneur and Nobel nominated social change activist with sparkling versatility as an entertainer, was born in Van Nuys, California.
A resilient star, today Basinet shines as a rare inspirational gem of entertainment, combining her experience as an actor, performer, a sought after American fashion model in Europe prior the rise of the supermodel, as well as being recognized as a remarkable humanitarian.
With crowning distinctions as a classically trained musician (she learnt the saxophone and flute as a child), Cynthia is one of the best jazz singers in the world today and is capable of conjuring up Hollywood's golden era of glamour from American history with her critically acclaimed performances and sultry jazz recordings. Her exquisite, speak-easy singing style smoldering with elegant mastery has ensconced Basinet as a cultural living treasure of the American jazz canon.
However in her twenties the world of fashion called and Basinet began a successful modeling career in San Francisco thanks to Bob Mackie that led her to be based in Paris modeling for five years. Here she studied French cinematography and learnt French fluently while being shot by some of the world's leading photographers for Europe's elite fashionistas in Paris, London and Milan. Her sparkling wit, brains and beauty not only captured the fashion world's camera lens, but also the eyes of some of Hollywood's leading men including Jack Nicholson, whom Basinet was partnered with for several years.
The beautiful, leggy, comedic redhead eventually returned to Los Angeles where she appeared in music videos for the likes of Roy Orbison and the Babys. In LA, the talented Basinet transitioned into acting appearing in movies, TV shows and national commercials. As a person of interest, she has also been referenced to date in over thirty books.
An astute businesswoman and thinker, Cynthia has always recognized and embraced the liberating power of new technologies to reach new audiences in entertainment. As a recording artist, Basinet established an entirely new channel of distribution for her music, using the Internet to bypass the usual Hollywood and recording industry path to bring her releases directly to listeners around the World.
The innovatively strategic move in music distribution, garnered Cynthia Basinet worldwide radio play and millions of downloads where she created an entertainment phenomenon with her rendition of "Santa Baby" (also in the film, "Party Monster").
Ironically, the global radio airplay of Basinet's sultry rendition of the song was accredited to screen legend, Marilyn Monroe, who never recorded the song. Cynthia Basinet's "Santa Baby" remains an essential, iconic Christmas jazz classic each year and is now embraced and emulated by many of today's pop artists, worldwide.
In 1999, Cynthia took a forced hiatus from Hollywood and acting due to the blacklisting after her breakup with the actor, Jack Nicholson (whom she remains a supportive and influencing figure) and subsequent activism for the commercial strike. While at the same time her "Santa Baby" launched her to international acclaim and prestige, as one of the most popular jazz vocalists along side the likes of Al Jarreau, Frank Sinatra and Diana Krall.
As a multi-tasking single parent (of a son, Jon), Basinet's awareness of social issues that affect people, families and individuals universally, led her to use her music and increasing platform to raise awareness for multitudes of others in the world, including a trip in May/June of '01 to refugee camps in the Western Sahara. Here she used her profile and her gift of music to raise awareness and inspire hope for those in need.
She released her first EP, "For You With Love" in 2001 under "c. basinet" to immediate critical acclaim.
As an outstanding icon of humanitarianism, Basinet appeared in the book, "1000 PeaceWomen Across The Globe," after being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize Award in '05.
In 2006, Basinet released her critically acclaimed first full length CD, "The Collection"; as diverse as she.
In 2007, Basinet has released a 10th Anniversary version of her classic, "Santa Baby" and an exquisite new EP called, "Uncovered" featuring new tracks of some of America's greatest standards. It is Basinet at her classy and sultry best.
2007 also ushered in another release, "Remixed", remixing her prior hit, "Going Out Of My Head" by uber-producer, David Maurice.
2009, she married guitarist, songwriter (Eddy Money, Kid America, Motown) and owner of famed Voltage Guitars, Lloyd Chiate. He is the brother of editor Debbie Chiate.
2010, she partnered with Lee Musiker (Tony Bennett's long time pianist) and the Gerry Beaudoin trio on a hauntingly beautiful and considered her best work to date, "Cry Me A River". Recorded in the famed jazz Nola Studios, alas defunct.
2011, brought a separation to her marriage after care taking through a lengthy waitlist and organ transplant. (to be continued...*)
She partnered again with Lee Musiker and team for "The Christmas Song" and her latest single, "It's Only A Paper Moon" in 2012.
2012, released her first full length CD of Standards, "The Standard"; 15 years in the making
2012, soundtrack, NCIS Los Angeles ("Free Ride" 4x10) - "Santa Baby" - Holiday episode
2014, re-recorded and released her tender ballad, "Eventually" in Long Island City, at Spin Recordings.
2015, released her dance mix version of John Legend's "All of Me", now her #1 song
2015, Summer she returned to Hollywood to wrap up her divorce.
*2017, brought the end of a seven year arduous divorce.
2018, she became a grandmother for the first time.
2019, moved to Nashville, where she is currently recording the follow ups to "Sweet Dreams" and "Eventually".
2020, Published her first book, "How To Be Civil In An Uncivil World", whilst living in Nashville during Covid.
2021, Started her first podcast, "The World According To Cynthia"
She has addressed the UN on numerous occasion of issues facing the Saharwian peoples living in self-determination.
Long before the term "social influencer", Cynthia has been influencing ideas, politics, movements, solutions, fashion, trends, media and more.
This truly golden girl continues acting, recording, performing and inspiring others worldwide with her beauty, sparkling array of talents and her powerhouse voice while residing bi-costally in Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY.
