1917-96 African-American Jazz Female Vocalist

She was a popular big band and solo artist. Principally a Jazz singer with a sweet and effortless style, she is a noted interpreter of the songs of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and Duke Ellington, among others. She had an amazing vocal range that included 2 and a half octaves. She had remarkable talent for scat singing.

She first came to the public's attention when she won a competition in New York as a teenager. She was subsequently hired to be the vocalist for Chick Webb's Jazz Big Band. After Chick Webb's tragic death in 1939, she continued to play and tour with the band for three years.

Among the songs she is famous for include:

Other musicians she performed with:

She died in Beverly Hills, California on June 15, 1996.

Source: http://www.geocities.com/Swing4243/ Last Updated 06.10.03