Greetings, music sloots and welcome to another edition of Manor Music Monday! Today we have a beautiful-sounding mystery, because unlike so many music performers, past or present, there's virtually nothing to be found out about this one-of-a-kind jazz songstress on the internet - which, no matter your background or era, is pretty hard to do these days. And these days? We really need her.
Yes, we desperately need the dulcet tones from a singer who's been there and back. In fact, we need Cora Lee Day (center in the photo above), a noted actress who had a late-career renaissance in "What's Love Got To Do With It?" and the compelling "Daughter's Of The Dust," for which she should have received an Academy Award (or at least a nomination) (but I digress) (as I'm wont to do). Born in 1914, many claim that she first worked as a model in New York City. This isn't hard to believe, since she was stunning to look at and quite tall. Somehow, she next transitioned into becoming a jazz singer.
For reasons that still confound me, she recorded only one LP, 1960's luscious "My Crying Hour." The album was released on Roulette Records, which had scary ties to New York City mobsters, including Vincent “The Chin” Gigante and Morris Levy. In other words, it was basically a money laundering front for the Genovese crime family, who were loath to pay royalties to any of their artists. Luckily, as far as we know, Cora emerged unscathed.
On her LP, her delivery on standards like "Trouble Is A Man" and "When Your Lover Has Is Gone" is deceptively gentle, yet steeled with mournful unease. Her style is less about vocal fireworks and more about nuance and a deeply felt connection to the songs she performs. This is a singer you can really feel. Unsurprisingly, her album is cherished by jazz aficionados. Give a listen below and you'll understand why, I promise.
What are you listening to this week? DJ Li'l Scratch wants to know. Till next time...purr, bitches, purr! 🐾
If you're looking for a good way to get through the worst timeline in the history of timelines, just do what Joan does! Simply cover your ears and you won't hear a thing! * bliss *
Today's OP is a SQ for all you HO HO HOs : Which Christmas movie character are you inviting to your Christmas party? For me, it's definitely Frosty the Snowman. One of the hardest things about hosting a party is getting everyone to GTFOH when it's over. But with Frosty, room temperature does the job for you! Macabre? Yes, but nothing a few decorative holiday hand towels can't handle 💅 Who's coming to your Christmas party, hors?
Greetings music sloots, and welcome to another edition of Manor Music Monday! As we near the winter holidays, I think back to the year we've all had - and how we all need a break from the madness. For me, vocal jazz always does the trick. So what do we need tonight? We need DJ Li'l Scratch, who'll be cranking tunes at the Manor's own "Moist Muffin Lounge and Dinette." What will he be playing? A gal you may not have heard of, and I bet'cha you'll take her for granted once you listen to her - or at least the first time around. Some things sneak up on you. Confused? I'll explain. When I first played Pam Garner's 1960 LP, "Pam Sings Ballads For Broken Hearts," I was contemplating the herculean effort it might take to rearrange and scrub my work station (contemplation is such hard work!). The LP ended and I thought, "Meh, Pam's okay." My desk remained a mess. But a day later, while preparing chicken breasts and realizing that...
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