A unique and charming jazz vocalist-pianist known for her sweet, gentle voice and clever, witty songwriting, often performing with a playful, childlike tone.
Blossom Dearie, an American jazz singer and pianist, is renowned for her unique, light, and girlish voice that brightened up the jazz scene in the mid-20th century. With a career spanning over five decades, Dearie performed alongside legendary musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz.
Born Margrethe Blossom Dearie on April 28, 1924, in East Durham, New York, to a father of Scots Irish descent and a mother of Norwegian descent, she was aptly named after the peach blossoms her brothers brought to the house on the day of her birth. After high school, Dearie moved to Manhattan to pursue a music career, dropping her first name and beginning to sing in groups such as the Blue Flames with the Woody Herman Orchestra and the Blue Reys with Alvino Rey's band.
In 1952, Dearie moved to Paris, where she formed a vocal group, the Blue Stars, with Michel Legrand's sister, Christiane, and Bob Dorough. The group achieved a hit in France with a French-language version of "Lullaby of Birdland," arranged by Michel Legrand. This success led to the evolution of the Blue Stars into the Swingle Singers. Dearie's first solo album, released in 1956, featured her piano playing but not her singing.
One of Dearie's most famous song recordings is "The Riviera," with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Joseph McCarthy, released in 1956. She also collaborated with King Pleasure on the album "King Pleasure Sings," featuring the hit single "Mood's Mood for Love," a vocal adaptation of a James Moody sax solo. Dearie's unique voice and style led to collaborations with jazz legends such as Johnny Mercer, Miles Davis, Jack Segal, Johnny Mandel, Duncan Lamont, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, and Jay Berliner.
After returning from France in 1957, Dearie made six American albums as a solo artist, solidifying her reputation as a distinctive jazz singer and pianist. Her music and style influenced a generation of jazz musicians, including Diana Krall and Stacey Kent. Dearie passed away on February 7, 2009, leaving behind a legacy of joy, sophistication, and wit, embodied in her music.
Through her music and style, Blossom Dearie continues to inspire and delight audiences, leaving an enduring mark on the world of jazz.
Born in 1922
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98 Years Old
A jazz vocalist known for her distinctive, expressive style and interpretations of standards, particularly in the 1950s.
Born in 1925
A sultry-voiced jazz singer known for her smooth, velvety tone and iconic interpretations of American standards. Her distinctive style and phrasing continue to influence vocalists today.
