Chris Connor | Jazz singer, 81
Chris Connor, 81, a smoky-voiced jazz vocalist who had numerous hits during a career that spanned more than 50 years, died of cancer Aug. 29 at a hospital in Toms River, N.J., said Lori Muscarelle, her longtime companion and manager.
Chris Connor, 81, a smoky-voiced jazz vocalist who had numerous hits during a career that spanned more than 50 years, died of cancer Aug. 29 at a hospital in Toms River, N.J., said Lori Muscarelle, her longtime companion and manager.
Ms. Connor performed with several big bands and also had an extensive solo career.
She was known for altering rhythms on ballads, using little vibrato except on special occasions, and a husky, lush sound on hits such as "All About Ronnie," which she performed with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, as well as "Trust in Me" and "About the Blues."
She also performed with the Claude Thornhill Orchestra and sang with bandleader Herbie Fields and Jerry Wald's big band.
She reached her greatest acclaim in the mid-1950s, recording several solo albums for Bethlehem Records and Atlantic Records.
After a period of semiretirement, Ms. Connor made a comeback in the mid-1970s, making albums with Kenton and Maynard Ferguson and going on several successful concert tours.
Ms. Connor's last public show was in 2004, when she performed on a New York club stage with noted jazz vocalist Anita O'Day. - AP