Thomas Lauderdale, a classically trained pianist, also the brains behind the group, is surrounded by singer China Forbes and some ten musicians. Formed in 1994, the group developed a musical style from an amalgam of retro, jazz, latino, lounge and classical influences. Its songs are performed in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese as well as Arabic and modern Greek. Sympathique, Pink Martini's first album, was released in 1997. Its next two CDs were very well received and did much to help the group grow its fan club. Joy to the World came out in time for the 2010-2011 Holiday season. A collaboration with Japanese singer Saori Yuki, 1969 came out near the end of 2011.