Way back in 2007 I put together a post titled The Quintessential Italian Crooner, in which I wrote about some of the better-known Italian/American smoothies. But even though I didn't intend that post to be all-inclusive and have written about quite a few more since then, it's still surprising how many others remain. One who … Continue reading Frankie Randall Had A Helping Hand From Sinatra
Tag: Vocal Jazz
The Lost Voice Of Ann Richards
I've written a lot of posts about various Songbirds -- the ladies who got their start by singing with the big bands -- and even though many of them went through bad times, most managed to persevere and have a nice career. However, that wasn't always the case. Ann Richards seemed to have everything going … Continue reading The Lost Voice Of Ann Richards
Mamma Mia! Morgana King’s Singing Side
Here's something the average person probably doesn't know. The actress who played Vito Corleone's wife Carmela in the first two Godfather movies (you know, the good ones) was also a very respected and influential jazz vocalist. Now in her eighties, Morgana King was a serious singer for many years before - and after - she … Continue reading Mamma Mia! Morgana King’s Singing Side
The Sad Story Of Susannah McCorkle
Even if you're not familiar with jazz vocalist and writer Susannah McCorkle, the title of this piece has probably already made you suspect a tragic end to her life, and you would be right. The very talented singer suffered from depression for years and finally took her own life in 2001, but she left behind … Continue reading The Sad Story Of Susannah McCorkle
The Many Faces Of Teri Thornton
Teri Thornton, a talented but under-appreciated jazz vocalist who died more than a decade ago, had a career that was varied and unconventional to say the least. Although she's probably most remembered for her successful recording of "Somewhere in the Night," (the theme for the TV show Naked City) she went through a lot of … Continue reading The Many Faces Of Teri Thornton
Eddie Jefferson – The Master Of Vocalese
There are many ways to vocalize in jazz, with variations all the way from straight vocals to the nonsensical improvising of scat singing, but one of the more unusual types would have to be something known as vocalese. It's generally defined as the addition of lyrics to well-known instrumental solos, often as a tribute to … Continue reading Eddie Jefferson – The Master Of Vocalese
The Subtle Style Of Chris Connor
A lot of different words are used by music critics when describing a performer, but while gathering info for this piece I was a little surprised to see 'subtle' applied to the singing style of jazz vocalist Chris Conner. On the other hand, it does seem to fit the talented singer, who died in 2009 … Continue reading The Subtle Style Of Chris Connor
The OTHER Sylvia Syms
When Sylvia Syms died at age 74 in 1992, it marked the loss of a talented performer who was once described by Frank Sinatra as the 'world's greatest saloon singer'. But it was also another chance for people to mix her up with the British actress with the same name, something that had been happening … Continue reading The OTHER Sylvia Syms
Crooner Tony Martin Had Long Career
After a long and notable career, crooner Tony Martin has died at age 98. Below I've reposted a earlier piece, and have also reactivated the song sample, "Stranger In Paradise." (The following was originally published in 2009.) Tony Martin — Crooner Or Cowboy? I love to watch old Western movies on TV, but I have … Continue reading Crooner Tony Martin Had Long Career
Born To Be Blue – Beverly Kenney
Another of the many tragedies that seem to occur too frequently in music is the fate of singer Beverly Kenney, who was a rising jazz star in the 1950s. She seemed to have a lot going for her -- an outstanding voice and a singing style that meshed perfectly with the type of cool jazz … Continue reading Born To Be Blue – Beverly Kenney
Geezer Music Club 