A bad tonsillectomy didn't stop Fran Jare from opening for Diana Ross

When she was about five years old, singer and musician Fran Jare's vocal chords were damaged during a tonsillectomy.

The effects can really only be heard when she's speaking. When she opens her mouth to sing, the higher end of her voice comes through clear as glass.

"The vocal chords were just partially knicked, for lack of a better word. One part of it is not doing what it's supposed to do," said Jare.

That hasn't stopped Jare from performing as an opening act for bands like Diana Ross and the Supremes, as she did years ago, or from leading a jazz trio, a quartet and her band Soultrax.

Jare is launching her new album, Copy Cat Coo Coo at the Silk Purse in West Vancouver on Saturday, June 3.

On the new album, the Chicago-born singer and keyboardist is joined by her daughter — Juno and Grammy award-winning Brandi Disterheft.

"She really keeps me on my toes," she told Margaret Gallagher, host of CBC Radio's Hot Air.

"I have to step up to the bar now because she's got another Juno nomination."

Jare said she didn't push her children into music but supported them through lessons. When her daughter decided to focus on music, Jare gave her some simple advice.

"Keep pursuing. People have to, as they say, 'pay your dues.' You're not always in the best of gigs or the best of engagements," Jare said.

Jare cut her teeth playing in Las Vegas and Reno after university. Thirty years ago the Chicago-born vocalist made the move to Vancouver and has been here ever since.

Listen to Jare's special guest appearance on Hot Air alongside host Margaret Gallagher.