The daughter of Italian immigrants, Maria spent time living in both Naples Italy and Miami Florida until she was 18. Maria's early influences were Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis as well as traditional Neapolitan music she heard at home as a young girl. Maria was drawn to singing at an early age by the desire to convey a songs emotion regardless of genre.In 1978, Maria was approached by a young bass player for a local band who had heard her singing in her car at a gas station. She was asked to join his band thus beginning her performing career. During those early years, she performed with numerous local Miami bands. Maria started making a name in the South Florida area while performing mainly in the rock and roll market. She eventually branched out to sing with bands performing top 40, pop, Jazz, Oldies and R&B. She also entered the studio to record television commercials including one for local cable TV. In 1989, with the resurgence of interest in bands of the 70's, Maria De Crescenzo was asked by Harry Wayne Casey (KC) to join the newly reformed KC& the Sunshine band. Maria has toured all over the world with KCSB for the last twenty years. Maria has also been featured on the record "Get Down Live" covering Patti Labelle's hit "New Attitude". She has worked on studio records with KC as well as performed on Television including a PBS concert special. Maria also appeared with KCSB in the 2003 Feature film "The In-Laws" starring Albert Brooks and Michael Douglas as well as a commercial for Sunlife Insurance. Maria has also performed for the Counsel General of Italy, Gloria Bellelli, on several occasions including the opening ceremonies for the day of the Republic celebration in Miami. She has performed for the Feast of Little Italy singing Italian Classics,Neapolitan Standards and some selections from the Great American Songbook. Maria continues to perform with KCSB while also filling her schedule when not on the road with KCSB. Show less «