David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown With Special Guest Courtney Fortune

In 1965, the first ever “Peanuts” animated special took place. It was a landmark event and it was the start of a tradition that would continue year after year. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a tradition enjoyed around the world by fans of all ages. Now, over 50 years later, Contemporary Jazz Piano Legend, David Benoit along with distinguished Vocalist, Courtney Fortune, is paying tribute to this incredible piece of entertainment history, with a “David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown With Special Guest Courtney Fortune”.

This inspirational tribute concert features the classic music of Vince Guaraldi along with “Charlie Brown Christmas” originals from David Benoit, who took over the helm as music composer for the new Charlie Brown Christmas TV Specials more than a decade ago, as well as classics from David Benoit’s illustrious career as a Multi- Grammy Nominated Solo Artist. The show also features the young voices of a local children’s choir, which serves as a wonderful way of getting the local community involved. The heart-warming show is sure to get the audience in that Christmas Spirit and bring out the ‘kid’ in all of us this holiday season.

Courtney Fortune is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and performance coach. She has been recognized by the John Lennon Foundation, Glamour Magazine, and Genlux Magazine as "America's Next Big Jazz Singer”, and has written and performed songs for Atlantic Records, Universal Music Group, Sony Japan, Disney, Cartoon Network, MTV and ABC. She was named one of Glamour Magazine’s “Top 10 College Women” in 2009, and received the Brian Wilson Musical Achievement Award for her work in the songwriting field. 

Courtney Fortune is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, touring artist, songwriting coach, and music mentor. She's worked with hundreds of songwriters on their craft, and her passion for music and advocacy inspires everything she does.

Courtney grew up in Bellingham, Washington, where she started playing jazz and rock clubs at an early age. She was immediately recognized for her distinct smoky voice and is often compared to singers like Karen Carpenter, Linda Ronstadt and Peggy Lee. 

Courtney began touring across the US and internationally, playing residencies in places like Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Japan and Disneyland. Her records were produced by 7-time Grammy-nominated composer/arranger Chris Walden at the iconic Capitol Studios in Hollywood. Courtney was featured singing her original song “Lost In The Memory” on The Chris Walden Big Band album Full On! and in the documentary, The Art of Recording a Big Band, by legendary recording engineer Al Schmitt. Al Schmitt also discussed Courtney’s performance on an episode of Mix With The Masters. Courtney continues to tour and is currently on the road with Grammy-nominated pianist David Benoit. As a professional songwriter she has written for major label artists, TV, film, pop stars, boy bands, and more.

Courtney has a bachelor's degree in Music Industry and master’s degree in Arts Leadership from the University of Southern California, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Other honors include Glamour Magazine’s Top 10 College Women of the Year, and the Brian Wilson Award for Musical Achievement. She is a member of the Recording Academy’s Songwriters and Composers Wing.

In addition to being a performer and songwriter, Courtney is a songwriting coach, a professional music mentor, and advocate for at-risk youth. She is the founder of Songmaker Sessions: a songwriting and mentorship program for teens and adults, and co-founder/co-director of the High School Songwriters Summit and Showcase at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Courtney is also founding faculty and co-creator of the Commercial Music Program at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.

Courtney’s first book will be available in bookstore’s nationwide in 2025. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House.