Pamela Bricker

Who was Pamela Bricker?

Pamela Carroll Bricker was a jazz singer, and a professor of music at George Washington University. She was a frequent collaborator and guest vocalist with the group Thievery Corporation, and the voice on their track "Lebanese Blonde", which was popularised by its inclusion on Zach Braff's Garden State soundtrack. Pam was also a member of Mad Romance vocal quartet from 1983-1989.

Pam was frequently nominated for Washington Area Music Association honors and won five times: as best contemporary jazz vocalist in 1999, 2000 and 2001, and best contemporary jazz album in 2001, for her release U-topia.

Bricker committed suicide in 2005. A spokeswoman for the Maryland medical examiner's office said that Bricker hanged herself. Her estranged husband, Gareth Branwyn, said she had struggled with clinical depression.

On May 2, 2006, Thievery Corporation released one of Pam's last recordings called "The Passing Stars" on iTunes to raise money for Chernobyl Children's Project International and Children of Chernobyl Relief and Development Fund.

In 2007, Bricker was given WAMA's "Special Appreciation" award. Her long-time musical partner, Wayne Wilentz, presented the award. Fellow DC-area singer and former voice student Karen Gray accepted on Bricker's behalf.