Lillette Jenkins-Wisner

Lillette Jenkins-Wisner (1924–2020) was an American vocalist and jazz pianist. Duke Ellington dubbed her the “Queen of the Keys”.

Early life and education Jenkins-Wisner was born February 6, 1924, in Harlem, New York. She began playing classical piano at age three and went on to learn gospel, ragtime, jazz and popular music. Jenkins-Wisner began performing publicly at age six. She attended the Manhattan School of Music.

Nat King Cole’s song "Lillette" was written about Jenkins-Wisner.

Jenkins-Wisner died from Alzheimer's disease on August 25, 2020. At the time of her death, she was living in Orlando, Florida. In 2004 her family members founded the Lillette's Foundation for the Arts Inc. and they support The Alzheimer’s Association of America.