Kimiko Kasai is a famous Japanese jazz singer known for his extensive contributions to the jazz and pop music worlds, primarily in the 1970s and 1980s.
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Kasai is popular for his vocal collaborations with iconic jazz artists such as Gil Evans and Herbie Hancock.
Her collaborations brought her recognition outside of Japan, especially her 1979 album Butterfly, which she recorded with Hancock, which remains a classic.
After marrying music producer Richard Rudolph, Kasai became a member of a famous musical lineage, becoming the stepmother of comedian Maya Rudolph.
contour
- Full name: Kasai Takako
- Date of birth: December 15, 1945
- Age: 79 years old
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Kyoto, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Occupation: Jazz singer, jewelry designer
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Not applicable
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Richard Rudolph
- Children: Maya Rudolph and stepmother of Mark Rudolph
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Japanese
- Net worth: $8 million
early life and education
Mr. Kasai was born in Kyoto, Japan on December 15, 1945. He is now 79 years old. Growing up in Kyoto, she was introduced to music early and became particularly interested in jazz when she heard Chris Connor’s song “All About Ronnie” on the radio.
Kasai moved to Tokyo at the age of 16 to pursue a career in jazz singing, eventually becoming part of Tokyo’s vibrant jazz scene. Her early musical journey led her to collaborate with famous Japanese musicians, making her a well-known jazz singer in her home country.
personal life
Kimiko Kasai’s personal life took a major turn when she met Richard Rudolph, an accomplished music producer and songwriter. The two met through the music industry and got married in 1990.
Through her marriage to Rudolph, Kasai became the stepmother of the famous actress and comedian Maya Rudolph and her brother Mark. Since then, Kimiko and Richard have maintained a close family life and supported each other’s artistic and commercial careers.
Kasai’s music career eventually turned into a passion for jewelry design, and the couple currently resides in Los Angeles, where she continues to work with jewelry.
Profession
Kasai’s music career officially began in Tokyo in the late 1960s, where she recorded her first album “The Modern Playing Mate” with Yuzuru Sera.
In the 1970s, she recorded a series of solo albums with famous jazz artists such as Mal Waldron and Teo Macero, establishing herself in the jazz field. Her reputation has been further enhanced by collaborations with international musicians such as Lee Konitz, Stan Getz and Gil Evans.
In 1979, Kasai collaborated with Herbie Hancock on the album Butterfly, which brought her international acclaim and became one of her most famous works.
She continued to make albums influenced by jazz and pop music into the 1980s, before leaving the music industry to pursue a career in jewelry design in Los Angeles.
net worth
Kimiko Kasai has an estimated net worth of $8 million, accumulated through her successful music career and subsequent jewelry business. Her collaborations with famous jazz artists contributed significantly to her financial success and subsequent jewelry design career in Los Angeles.
social media
film chronology
- Hairpin Circus (1972) as Rie Mizukami
discography
- modern playmate
- just friends
- blue yellow corpse
- satin doll
- umbrella
- personally
