Anita O'Day (1919-2006)

[Helene]

From the obituary released by The Associated Press:

She began her career in her teens and later recorded hits with Stan Kenton and Gene Krupa. Her highly stylized performance of songs like “And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine,” “Let Me Off Uptown,” “Honeysuckle Rose” and “Sweet Georgia Brown” made her famous the world over.

In her prime, Ms. O'Day was described as a scat singer and a natural improviser whose unique interpretations energized the most familiar songs. She inspired many singers, including June Christy and Chris Connor.

Her fame came at a price.

[Farrell Fan]

Anita O'Day recorded a lyric with the Krupa band in the forties that made me feel good about myself at approximately age ten: "He's got a face like a fish, shape like a frog, when he loves me I holler 'Ooo, hot dog!'" She was a singer who can be mentioned in the same breath with the likes of Ella and Lady Day. May she rest in peace at last.

[papeetepatrick]

Farrell Fan--that's very cool. I always like stories like that.

[Golden Gate]

So sad to hear this news... she is very good, one of my favorites. Thanks for posting this, Helene.