In 1977, several former Whiffenpoofs and some of the finest female singers on campus came together to create something Yale had never seen before: an all-gender a cappella group. They founded Redhot & Blue, bringing SATB jazz harmonies to life, inspired by the greats of the early twentieth century. Forty-nine years and hundreds of alumni later, Redhot and Blue’s complex arrangements and award-winning sound continue to set us apart in the music scene at Yale and across the globe. In addition to jazz standards, our repertoire has expanded to include a wide variety of genres, from Broadway hits to the Beatles to Laufey. 

This past year, we performed at the iconic 54 Below in NYC and for United States Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, adding to our extensive performance history. From the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, to El Club Del Jazz, the oldest jazz cultural center in Medellin, Colombia, to the Kennedy Center in D.C., we live for sharing music, joy, and jazz with people all over the world! This year, we’re keeping the momentum going as we prepare to perform at exciting new venues in Detroit, Ann Arbor, D.C., Vermont, and Lagos, Nigeria, as well as recording our 50th anniversary album!

But in all this, the most important takeaway is that Redhot & Blue is a family. “Redhotties” are quirky, diverse, and passionate about sharing sounds that move people. We have performed for incredible audiences, including the likes of George Bush and Morgan Freeman, but some of our favorite shows have been smaller and more sentimental, for our friends and family in our hometowns or right here at Yale. Whether bonding during our weekly rehearsals, touring three times a year across the globe, or just hanging out, being a Redhottie is an unparalleled experience of musicianship, community, and friendship.