Soesja Citroen, born in The Hague, Netherlands, is a renowned jazz singer and composer who has captivated audiences with her expressive vocals and compelling songwriting. With a career spanning over three decades, Citroen has become a leading figure in the Dutch jazz scene, earning a reputation for her emotive performances and distinctive voice, often referred to as "the virgin voice." Her influences range from jazz legends like Abbey Lincoln and Billie Holiday to Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, all of whom have shaped her unique style.
Citroen's debut at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1980 marked the beginning of a prolific career, during which she has collaborated with notable figures in the Dutch music industry, including Rogier van Otterloo. Her work has been celebrated internationally, with her album receiving the highest rating in the 2005 Penguin Guide to Jazz. In addition to her musical achievements, Citroen is also known for her activism, particularly her efforts to commemorate the Jewish victims of the Holocaust in Gouda through the placement of Stolpersteine, small memorial stones. Her commitment to both her art and her community makes Soesja Citroen a truly inspiring figure in the world of jazz.