January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012
Aaaat Laaaaaaaast….
The opening words of Etta James’ (born, Jamesetta Hawkins) classic ballad “At Last” are unmistakable. James was a prolific singer whose career covered and influenced nearly every genre imaginable. She won six Grammys, a host of other awards and was an 1993 inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Whether she was belting Jazz, R&B, Gospel or straight Blues, Etta was without equal. Continue reading
October 10, 1917 – February 17, 1982
Thelonious Sphere Monk was a composer and pianist known for his improvisational and dissonant jazz stylings. His distinctive style (in both music and fashion) set him apart from many of his contemporaries. With popular recordings such as “Round Midnight” and “Straight, No Chaser,” Monk’s career would span four decades and inspire countless musicians and fans.
April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959
A revolutionary Jazz vocalist known to many as “Lady Day,” Billie Holiday had no equal. Her life was filled with hardship and drama from the beginning:
Underage prostitution? Check.
Drugs and alcohol? Check.
Abusive relationships? Check.
Married to a mafia enforcer? Check.
Arrested in a drug raid of her hospital room as she lay dying? Check.
She crammed a lot of life, both good and bad, into 44 brief years.
April 25, 1918 – June 15, 1996
A celebrated jazz vocalist, “Lady Ella” Fitzgerald was known as the “Queen of Jazz” and the “First Lady of Song.” She earned 13 Grammy awards as well as a number of other honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ella’s unmistakable voice is often praised for its pure tone and flawless diction.
Celebrity Graveland 