Massé was born in Holland, Michigan, grew up in Westchester County, New York, and lived in Europe during her teens.
Early in school, she developed a fondness for classical music, particularly Beethoven, though she also cites the Beatles, Pablo Casals, and her grandfather as influences.
[3] Massé's background in multiple genres fit the Manhattan Transfer's repertoire of jazzy pop, rock, and swing.
[2] With the Manhattan Transfer, Massé toured worldwide, appeared on TV, and sold millions of albums until a car accident in 1979.
[5] During the 1990s, Massé lived in North Creek, New York in the Adirondack Mountains, concentrating on classical and Celtic music.