Jill and Rich Switzer

South Florida’s First Couple of the Great American Songbook

April 23, 2018

By Jeffrey Bruce for Cabaret Scenes

I spent a delightful two hours with the “first couple of the Great American Songbook” in South Florida, Jill and Rich Switzer. Their Monday-Friday Legends Radio show on 100.3, in the mornings from 6:00 to 10:00 is a must-listen for anyone who cherishes the music of a civil and more golden age. They will help you start your day with a smile each morning with entertainment, news, weather, traffic and the best music ever recorded. Special features include “New Music Monday,” “TV Theme Song Trivia,” “The Word of the Day,” great new recipes and more.

A more unlikely pair is hard to imagine. Jill, the Florida native, fabulous Joey Heatherton coif framing a lovely Mitzi Gaynor face, and Rich, a proud Youngstown, Ohioan who “doesn’t talk,” but adds the (very) occasional hilarious bon mot, complement each other in a Keely-Louis, Steve and Eydie way that is beyond endearing.

Rich is a gifted pianist/composer, who has been entertaining audiences in South Florida for the past 32 years. His four CDs of melodic piano instrumentals have made a significant mark musically, beginning with his debut release, Quiet Storm. He’s also an honorary Board member of The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook.

Meanwhile, Jill is one of the most sought-after vocalists in South Florida and is also an honorary Board member of The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook. She has performed at venues ranging from Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach to Birdland in New York City. She has appeared on stage with Tony Award winner Faith Prince, legendary jazz/pop vocalist Marilyn Maye, Ann Hampton Callaway, The Four Freshmen, and many others. You might also recognize her voice from one of the many commercial jingles heard nationwide that she has recorded. In addition, Jill is a voice coach, songwriter, and published author.

Together for 22 years, they met when Jill auditioned to be a singer in Rich’s band. She admits, she “didn’t like him” at first but, obviously, that changed. Divorced, and with a young daughter, she and the never-married Rich were soon together and became the first couple of cabaret in South Florida.

By chance, the opportunity for a radio show arose and added to their ascension in the public’s eye…and ear.

When asked, “What IS the Great American Songbook?,” Jill’s answer was thoughtful, thorough, and spot on. “When the immigrants arrived at Ellis Island, the people, primarily Jewish, began creating this new type of music that was being influenced by the African-Americans when they went up to Harlem and were discovering new tempi and beats and new possibilities. They call it the greatest artistic contribution our country has made to the world. It’s timeless, it’s classic, and universal.” Brilliantly said.

Rich & Jill also perform with the Switzer Trio at high-profile venues around the Palm Beach area and beyond. Read more about Jill and Rich at: www.jillandrich.net