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! 🐾
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The Internet needs to be spanked, because a group of stinky-poos came for Liza this week. But luckily, Liza, glorious legend that she is, snapped back. And it was all because of her new album cover, which troglodytes were quick to say resembled Rhianna's "Girl Gone Bad" album cover from 2007. "Nyah, nyah, nyah," the lesser-thans sneered, acting as if they caught Liza make a major whoopsie (or a major Beyonce) (you decide). But Liza kindly, yet firmly. put them in their place. She knows Rihanna, of course, and “I did a tribute to her ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ with the album art. Some people got it, and some people didn’t! But nobody needed to be unkind. With social media, everyone can be a critic. And I realize people use this space to amplify their voice. To those who defend me when my age, decisions, appearance and art are under fire, I’m very grateful. It takes courage to stand beside a friend when things are difficult. You know who you are. And I love you very mu...
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