<Tr> <Th> Instruments </Th> <Td> Vocals, Ukulele </Td> </Tr> <P> Mandy Harvey (born January 2, 1988) is an American jazz and pop singer and songwriter . </P> <P> Harvey was born in Cincinnati, Ohio . She had hearing problems and underwent several surgeries as a child to try to correct them . Her family moved to Colorado when she was a young child . She sang throughout her childhood and her talent was recognized at Longmont High School, where she graduated in 2006 . Harvey gradually lost her hearing as a result of the connective tissues disorder Ehlers - Danlos syndrome . She lost her remaining hearing when she was nineteen, while she was majoring in vocal music education at Colorado State University; as a result she left the university . </P> <P> In 2008 she met jazz pianist Mark Sloniker at Jay's Bistro in Fort Collins, where she began performing regularly . She later performed at Dazzle Jazz Lounge in Denver and recorded several jazz albums . JazzTimes wrote of her debut album, Smile, "The vocals are rich and captivating ." In 2011 Harvey won VSA's International Young Soloist Award . She later returned to perform at the Kennedy Center . She is an Ambassador for the nonprofit organization No Barriers to help people with disabilities overcome obstacles . Harvey uses "visual tuners" to help her find pitches . </P>

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