whoops - Andrew Poretz pointed out that I inadvertently left MAX ROACH out of the 2024 centennials list ... which is especially embarrassing since I've already written a story about the Max Centennial (and the excellent new Sam Pollard documentary) :
I am so glad you are celebrating both Blossom and Jane Morgan. When I was 14, Jane did a signing for her In Gold album on Epic. I did not know who she was, but I went to Caldor's to get an autographed album. Jane was so gorgeous, I was speechless. Needless to say, meeting Jane did not increase my "coolness" with my school chums. Two years later I saw Jane in Mame on Broadway. She really was wonderful in that role.
I saw Blossom at the Ballroom. She was from the same town as one of my friends (who is named for his grandfather). I told Blossom that I knew a neighbor of hers, (my friend). She replied, "he's dead". I said I was referring to his grandson. Once again, Blossom replied "he's dead". I had to call my friend and tell him that he was dead.
If you're even a casual fan of jazz vocals, it's impossible not to like Blossom Dearie. There's just something so (for want of a better word) charming about the whole package. "Our Day Will Come" is a fine example of what she brought to the table.
another one: Eric Friedenthal points out that I omitted Marlon Brando. (Oh the shame!)
whoops - Andrew Poretz pointed out that I inadvertently left MAX ROACH out of the 2024 centennials list ... which is especially embarrassing since I've already written a story about the Max Centennial (and the excellent new Sam Pollard documentary) :
https://www.nysun.com/article/max-roach-at-100-inventor-of-modern-drumming-is-only-the-beginning
(if you can't access it, let me know.)
Hi Will;
I am so glad you are celebrating both Blossom and Jane Morgan. When I was 14, Jane did a signing for her In Gold album on Epic. I did not know who she was, but I went to Caldor's to get an autographed album. Jane was so gorgeous, I was speechless. Needless to say, meeting Jane did not increase my "coolness" with my school chums. Two years later I saw Jane in Mame on Broadway. She really was wonderful in that role.
I saw Blossom at the Ballroom. She was from the same town as one of my friends (who is named for his grandfather). I told Blossom that I knew a neighbor of hers, (my friend). She replied, "he's dead". I said I was referring to his grandson. Once again, Blossom replied "he's dead". I had to call my friend and tell him that he was dead.
She'll always be in my pantheon of the Criminally Underrated. Maybe it's because she makes it look so easy.
Don’t forget Terry Gibbs who will turn 100 on October 13.
If you're even a casual fan of jazz vocals, it's impossible not to like Blossom Dearie. There's just something so (for want of a better word) charming about the whole package. "Our Day Will Come" is a fine example of what she brought to the table.
Wonderful and illuminating as always, Will!