During the big band era almost every orchestra had a songbird, a female vocalist who not only performed with the band but also provided a little glamour. For some of them it was their first real exposure to the big time, but there were a few who were already pretty well established before they joined … Continue reading The Velvet Voice Of Lurlean Hunter
Tag: Vocal Jazz
Frances Faye Was Ahead Of Her Time
It's pretty commonplace now for entertainers to be very open about their sexuality, but that wasn't always the case. Nevertheless, at least one singer/songwriter who rose to fame in the 1930s made no secret about being bisexual. In fact, Frances Faye would eventually form a lifelong partnership with her manager, Teri Shepherd, and even worked … Continue reading Frances Faye Was Ahead Of Her Time
Shirley Horn’s Late-Life Success Inspired Many
Performers who sing while accompanying themselves on the piano have been a part of music for a long time, and some of them have been very talented at handling both duties. But not many could measure up to the late Shirley Horn, a jazz artist who was so good at focusing on both skills that … Continue reading Shirley Horn’s Late-Life Success Inspired Many
Mabel Mercer Inspired Sinatra And Others
Although she died in 1984 and is probably not a familiar name to current music fans, cabaret singer Mabel Mercer is still fondly remembered by many. She rose from humble beginnings to become a respected and much-admired performer during a colorful career that stretched out for many years. Along the way she influenced countless stars, … Continue reading Mabel Mercer Inspired Sinatra And Others
Visions Come To Life For The New Year
Those of you who partied a little too much this weekend might be forgiven if you think some things in the pictures below look a little familiar. After all, seeing strange visions is often a part of the whole process of seriously overindulging. (Thanks to 'M' for the pictures.) Frank Sinatra - "It Was A … Continue reading Visions Come To Life For The New Year
The Fiery Side Of Jeri Southern
Despite a singing voice that was sometimes described as limited, Jeri Southern was able to build a good career in the 1950s by becoming the quintessential torch singer, a gal who could deliver a song with impact and verve. And she was also the voice behind a memorable and 'fiery' movie song that I still … Continue reading The Fiery Side Of Jeri Southern
Doin’ The Cow-Cow Boogie
Over the last decade or so, colorful life-size statues of cows have shown up in cities all over the world. It's the most visible sign of a movement known as CowParade, which has raised more than $20 million for charity via the subsequent auctions of the colorful bovine beauties. In the slideshow below I've included … Continue reading Doin’ The Cow-Cow Boogie
Did Betty Roché Miss The Duke’s A-Train?
Although the legendary Duke Ellington is remembered for a number of his own compositions, Billy Strayhorn's "Take The A-Train" is considered by many to be the Duke's signature song. But it's a piece with an interesting history, one that includes a young singer who seems to have mis-timed the train's biggest moments. When Wilmington-born Mary … Continue reading Did Betty Roché Miss The Duke’s A-Train?
Sheila Jordan – Defying The Odds
You would have to assume that by the time we reach our 80s most of us would no longer be pursuing our normal vocation (if we're even still around), but it has always seemed to me that musical artists often defy the odds. Yet another example is jazz singer Sheila Jordan, who is still entertaining … Continue reading Sheila Jordan – Defying The Odds
A Crooner’s Connection To The Beatles
It's time to revisit one of our favorite subjects -- crooners -- and take a look at the story of a singer who not only had a tragically shortened career, but also a direct connection to the Beatles. His name was Buddy Clark, and his biggest hit was on a song that was written specifically … Continue reading A Crooner’s Connection To The Beatles
Geezer Music Club 