Janet Thurlow was a distinguished jazz singer born on May 21, 1926, in Seattle. As the first of five children, she received training in violin, piano, and voice during her youth, and showcased her violin skills on a radio talent show hosted by Major Edward Bowes. Her musical career began in earnest in 1949 when she performed as a song stylist with Robert “Bumps” Blackwell’s Seattle-based band. Her talent soon caught the attention of Lionel Hampton, leading to her recruitment into his orchestra.

In 1951, Thurlow met trombonist Jimmy Cleveland while both were performing with Hampton's band. The couple married in 1953 and frequently collaborated in their musical endeavors until Cleveland's passing in 2008. Notably, Thurlow played a pivotal role in the early career of Quincy Jones by advocating for his hiring by Hampton. Her recording of “I Can’t Believe You’re in Love With Me” with Hampton for the Decca label marked her as potentially the first white singer to lead an all-Black big band.

Janet Thurlow passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 96 from congestive heart failure in Lynwood, California. She is survived by her sister Carolyn, nieces Carol and Julie, and nephew Martin. A memorial service was held in her honor at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in South Gate, California.