Chicago singer Christy Bennett has been influenced by and performed the work of her share of jazz legends. Still, her specialty is uncovering the gifts of lesser-known songwriters, especially women. With a background in classical voice and a dedication to bringing creative looks into the Great American Songbook, Christy Bennett has made a unique mark on the Chicago jazz scene. On her most recent album, Good Morning, Heartache: The Music of Irene Higginbotham, she explores the work of an overlooked '40s composer (niece of the great swing trombonist J. C. Higginbotham) who is perhaps best known for her work with Billie Holiday but also wrote songs recorded by Anita O'Day, Dinah Washington, Peggy Lee, and Nat 'King' Cole. Bennett, whose collection of songs written by Django Reinhardt with rarely heard lyrics, dips into Higginbotham's songbook, as do other lesser-known artists who regularly appear around the city of Chicago.

Bennett has received several grants for her work uncovering rarely-heard music, including three Individual Artist Grants through Chicago's Department of Special Events and Cultural Affairs as well as the Pathways to Jazz Grant in support of her upcoming album of music by songwriter Bernice Petkere and an Awesome Foundation Grant supporting her Ladies of Song Button-o-matic.