As much as I knew (even if only by name) Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, the name of Sarah Vaughan was unknown to me before starting this project. And yet! Sarah Vaughan was an American jazz singer considered one of the greatest of all time.
She was renowned for her voice, which was underlined by an exceptional vocal technique and a sensitive interpretation of the music. She recorded numerous albums and collaborated with musicians such as Duke Ellington, Benny Carter and Count Basie.
Her best-known songs include Misty, Tenderly and Summertime. If you like jazz, I highly recommend listening to Sarah Vaughan to discover her exceptional talent as a singer.
The Live At Mister Kelly's
Mister Kelly's was a famous Chicago nightclub on Rush Street. From 1943 until its closure in 1975, performing at Mister Kelly's was a real springboard for the careers of young musicians and comedians.
Sarah Vaughan's “At Mister Kelly's” is a 1958 live recording capturing her performance at Mister Kelly's jazz club in Chicago. It is remarkable for several reasons:
- A true live performance: This album captures the power of Sarah Vaughan's live performance and shows her talent for captivating a live audience.
- Exceptional voice: Sarah Vaughan was known for her soulful voice and this album is a great example of that. Her vocal technique and expressive performance are on full display.
- Varied Repertoire: The album includes a wide range of songs from jazz standards to popular songs, showing Sarah Vaughan's versatility as a performer.
- A historic recording: “At Mister Kelly's” is considered an important historical recording of Sarah Vaughan's career and of the Chicago jazz era of the 1950s.
Just One of Those Things
Just One of Those Things is a popular song written by Cole Porter in 1935. It is a swing song with light and humorous lyrics. It was popularized by many famous jazz artists, such as Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra, and continues to be played and covered in many jazz and pop concerts today.
Just a Gigolo
This version by Sarah Vaughan is considered one of her most memorable interpretations of the song. Unlike Louis Prima's version that can be heard in The Wildest! (#4 of this list) this one is all sweetness and sensuality.
Where to listen to Live at Mister Kelly's album?
- Listen to Live at Mister Kelly's on Spotify
- Listen to Live at Mister Kelly's on Deezer
- Listen to Live at Mister Kelly's on Youtube