Grand Trailblazer Spotlight: Erin Dickins — Jazz Icon, Cookbook Author, and Step-Grandmom Extraordinaire

Here at The Grands Club, we love to feature Grand Trailblazers—those who have paved the road ahead in one way or another for future generations. Whether through music, advocacy, family, or creativity, these remarkable grandparents inspire all of us to embrace legacy with purpose and flair.

My guest in this episode is none other than Erin Dickins, and she’s just that and more!

Erin is a tour de force. A founding member of the legendary vocal group The Manhattan Transfer, Erin helped launch a sound that was at once classic and ahead of its time. When the group burst onto the scene in the 1970s, they mesmerized audiences with their genre-bending harmonies—mixing jazz, pop, swing, and soul with effortless cool. With sold-out venues, critical acclaim, and a fiercely loyal fan base, The Manhattan Transfer didn’t just perform music—they reshaped it.

But Erin didn’t stop there.

Her voice continues to resonate and enchant on stages, and her talents stretch far beyond music. Erin is also a producer, performer, and published cookbook author—someone who stirs love into everything she does, whether it’s a melody or a homemade dish.

And perhaps most beautifully, Erin is a step-grandmother to four adorable grands who light up her life. In our conversation, she reflects on what it means to step into the role of "Tutu" (her chosen grand-mom name) with humor, heart, and heaps of creative flair. She speaks openly about blending families, cherishing unexpected joy, and the uniquely sweet bond of step-grandparenting.

Bold and wise – that’s Erin.

When I asked Erin what life lesson she hopes to pass on to her grandchildren, Erin replied without missing a beat:

“I want to teach them to swear!”

Oh, the joy of being a step-grand! It was a moment that had us all laughing—and nodding along with the liberating truth that sometimes, life’s greatest lessons are wrapped in irreverence and joy. Erin reminds us that grandparenting doesn’t have to fit in a box. It can be bold. It can be musical. It can be wild and wise at the same time.

In this vibrant interview, we talk about:

• The magic and madness of the early days with The Manhattan Transfer

• Reinventing herself through solo work and culinary adventures

• What it means to be a “step” in a blended grandfamily

• How she uses storytelling, song, and even soup to pass along values and traditions

• Why trailblazing isn’t just about where you’ve been—but who you’ve brought along for the ride

Tune in to this unforgettable episode of The Grands Club Podcast as Erin dishes up wisdom, warmth, and wit in equal measure. Whether you’re a music lover, a grandparent, a step-grandparent, or just someone who’s always dreamed of jazz hands and kitchen dance parties—you’re going to love this one.

Because as Erin proves, being grand is more than a title—it’s a lifestyle.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and remember:We’re influencing generations… one grand at a time.