Carmen McRae

At 74 years old, Carmen McRae physical status not available right now. We will update Carmen McRae's height, weight, eye color, hair color, build, and measurements.

Carmen Mercedes McRae (April 8, 1922 – November 10, 1994) was an American jazz singer.

She is considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century and is remembered for her behind-the-beat phrasing and ironic interpretation of lyrics.

McRae was inspired by Billie Holiday, but she established her own voice.

She recorded over sixty albums and performed worldwide.

Early life and education

McRae was born in Harlem, New York City, United States. Her father, Osmond, and mother, Evadne (Gayle) McRae, were immigrants from Jamaica. She began studying piano when she was eight, and the music of jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington filled her home. When she was 17 years old, she met singer Billie Holiday. As a teenager McRae came to the attention of Teddy Wilson and his wife, the composer Irene Kitchings. One of McRae's early songs, "Dream of Life", was, through their influence, recorded in 1939 by Wilson’s long-time collaborator Billie Holiday. McRae considered Holiday to be her primary influence.

Source

Early career

McRae performed piano at Minton's Playhouse, performed as a chorus girl, and served as a secretary in her late teens and early 20s. It was at Minton's where she met trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, bassist Oscar Pettiford, and drummer Kenny Clarke, all of whom performed with Benny Carter's big band (1944) and under the name "Carmen Clarke" (having married Kenny Clarke) made her first appearance as a pianist with the Mercer Ellington Band (1946–47). But she became aware of Decca's Milt Gabler while in Brooklyn. Decca's five-year association yielded 12 LPs.

Source