Although she began her professional singing career in Cleveland, where she sang with and managed a popular jazz quartet, Vanessa made the risky but wise move to New York in 1982. While word of her incredible voice spread throughout the jazz community, she studied with Barry Harris and Frank Foster at Harris' Jazz Cultural Theater.  Early New York engagements were with nationally renowned artists such as Kenny Barron, Stanley Cowell, George Coleman, Pharoah Sanders, Paul West, Frank Foster's Loud Minority, the Lionel Hampton Big Band and the Mercer Ellington Orchestra.  Still, the ever independent, practical vocalist hedged her bets.  Having earned a BA from The Ohio State University School of Journalism, she supplemented her singing career by teaching, and serving as a Dean of Students in New York City's public school system. "Teaching,"  she said, "proved to be valuable in two ways.  It provided a means for me to stay in New York; to be in the kind of environment I felt I needed to develop as a vocalist.  And it uncovered a real passion I didn't know I had for helping troubled teenagers.  My ultimate calling, however, was to sing."

Years of honing her craft, networking and performing internationally paid off in 1991 with her signing to RCA/Novus. Passionate phrasing, flawless delineation, scintillating emotion and skillful musicianship echo the excellence of her RCA albums: SOUL EYES, PASTICHE, I'M GLAD THERE IS YOU, VANESSA RUBIN SINGS and NEW HORIZONS.  Her debut album, SOUL EYES, brought her wide recognition and respect in jazz circles and was cited by the Gavin Report as one of the best jazz albums in 1992.  LANGUAGE OF LOVE and GIRL TALK, her current release on Telarc International, continues to keep her on the forefront as one of today's distinguishable interpreter of song. Vanessa has established herself as a premiere vocalist thrilling SRO audiences at prestigious venues and music festivals around the world.   Dubbed one of the "Diva Nouvelles" by Essence Magazine, she continues to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by today's jazz scene.