Jazz Singer, Pianist. Born Marguerite Blossom Dearie, she moved to New York City after high school to pursue a career in jazz. Known for her distinctive, kittenish voice, she started out singing in vocal groups that performed with some of the top big bands of the era, including Woody Herman and Alvino Rey. In the 50's, she joined the exodus of American jazz artists to Paris, where she formed the vocal group The Blue Stars and enjoyed a huge international hit with a French-language version of the jazz standard "Lullaby of Birdland." She returned to the United States in the late 50's and signed with Verve Records, the premier jazz label of the era. She alternated between recording albums of vocals and instrumental albums featuring her unique be-bop style. Some of her most popular recordings were versions of "The Riviera," "I'm Hip," and "Peel Me A Grape." Today Show host Dave Garraway was a big fan and her frequent appearances on the show introduced her to an even larger audience. Her 1962 radio commercial for Hires Root Beer was an unexpected hit and led to her recording the best-selling LP "Dearie Sings Rootin' Songs." She enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 1970's and became a fixture on the cabaret circuit, particularly in New York and London. Her high-pitched, girlish voice was also hear on soundtracks for many TV shows and movies, including "School House Rocks!" "Kissing Jessica Stein," and "The Squid and the Whale."
Jazz Singer, Pianist. Born Marguerite Blossom Dearie, she moved to New York City after high school to pursue a career in jazz. Known for her distinctive, kittenish voice, she started out singing in vocal groups that performed with some of the top big bands of the era, including Woody Herman and Alvino Rey. In the 50's, she joined the exodus of American jazz artists to Paris, where she formed the vocal group The Blue Stars and enjoyed a huge international hit with a French-language version of the jazz standard "Lullaby of Birdland." She returned to the United States in the late 50's and signed with Verve Records, the premier jazz label of the era. She alternated between recording albums of vocals and instrumental albums featuring her unique be-bop style. Some of her most popular recordings were versions of "The Riviera," "I'm Hip," and "Peel Me A Grape." Today Show host Dave Garraway was a big fan and her frequent appearances on the show introduced her to an even larger audience. Her 1962 radio commercial for Hires Root Beer was an unexpected hit and led to her recording the best-selling LP "Dearie Sings Rootin' Songs." She enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 1970's and became a fixture on the cabaret circuit, particularly in New York and London. Her high-pitched, girlish voice was also hear on soundtracks for many TV shows and movies, including "School House Rocks!" "Kissing Jessica Stein," and "The Squid and the Whale."
Bio by: Miracle Mile Tim
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