Blossom Dearie: even softer, pianissimo.
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Artist:
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Track:I'm Old-Fashioned
Word has come that Blossom Dearie, jazz singer, pianist, she of the beguilingly soft and witty voice, has passed away in New York at 84. She sounded like no one else, had divine taste, and was performing at cabarets as recently as a few years ago.
Here she is with one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's more whimsical songs:
Some of you youngsters may know her from Schoolhouse Rock:
I myself am partial to the completely adorable "The Doodlin' Song," and to "When the World Was Young," because she manages to convey wistfulness without excessive sentimentality.
Her singing was simple, sincere, and just sweet enough:
Comments (6)
This is sad for the rest of us. She has earned a standing ovation at the Great Boite In The Sky. The great irony is that her recordings have probably never been as popular, her reputation as high, in years as they are now. I hope she was aware of that.....
Thanks for posting... many here probably don't know she spent a few years performing in Paris in the early 50's before returning to the states in the late 50's. I have always loved her singing that was in the movie Breakfast at Tiffanys what a lovely voice
i should say that this isn't her singing in the movie I meant the song that was in the movie.
It is a very lovely performance. It's not in the film itself, though--it's been grafted on to this scene.
Ivylander, according to the folks who post on a Broadway board I lurk at, she'd been getting enthusiastic and loving receptions at all her cabaret performances, so there's that. ... And I love the word boîte.
I remember hearing her voice wafting through my house as a child as my mom played her music. My Mom was quite the pianist and would play and sing as Blossom did. She passed away recently, but stuff like this keeps her with me. Great post. Thanks!
Inrumford, hi, and thanks for the lovely comment. I am so sorry about your mom. ... My dad passed away 13 years ago, and listening to the music he loved is still one of the most intense ways to keep him present.