Greetings, horlettes, and welcome to another edition of Manor Music Monday. Today's starry songstress studied piano and voice in college, as she was set on becoming an opera singer. But once she heard a few Duke Ellington LPs, introduced to her by her mother, opera was dunzo . Jazz had infected her soul, as it had for so many in the early 1930s. Back then, jazz was also called "devil's music," since it was created by Black musicians, of course, but also because it was linked to the Women's Liberation movement, and unlike classical music, it wasn't based on any foundation of specific rules and techniques. Improvisation was scary - and, yes, it increased immorality and promiscuity. I know, I know, I can hear you now: "Sign me up!" But this was a different time, as they say. Lucky for us, at the Manor's "Cake Shakin' Lounge and Dessertery," DJ Li'l Cat will be spinning her tunes tonight. Do you recognize this gently coquettish ope...

Greetings, lascivious sloots and layabout loons, and welcome to another edition of Manor Music Monday, today with sass, class and just a touch of Rachel Dolezal (not really, but kinda) (intrigued, aren't you?). I speak of Ruth Olay, a one-of-a-kind singer who started out "passing" as Black while touring with a group of talented Black musicians, all of whom carefully guarded her secret, since, at that time, "mixed" groups were forbidden and they all enjoyed playing together. Some risks were worth taking and her dark complexion and short, naturally curly hair, owing to her Hungarian ancestry, made it easy to fool eagle-eyed bookers and club owners.  Only years later did she break through, finding moderate success after appearing on TV's "The Jack Parr Show." Years previous, it was none other than her friend Ivie Anderson who gave her one of her first big breaks when she invited her to sing with Duke Ellington's band.  Tonight only, at the Manor...

Greetings, fellow chippies, and welcome to another edition of Manor Music Monday, today highlighting one of my favorite genres: Swing Era Jazz! Popular from the late 1920s through the mid-40s, its distinctively bouncy Big Band sound - those "swinging" eighth notes make the rhythm seem uneven and springy - guarantees that my spirits will soar and I'll be up on my feet. You, too? Then you're in luck, because tonight, at the Manor's exclusive "Jumpin' Junk" after-hours bar and dinette, DJ Li'l Scratch will be spinning one of its finest practitioners. In other words, it's time for some high-kicking fun with swing legend Ivie Anderson.  When I did a search to find pictures of her, it seemed like she was always laughing, or making others laugh. Below, she's having a fine old time with the fabulously named jazz trumpeter,  Hot Lips Page . And, yes, I would have. Ivie knew how to put on a show. Born in Gilroy, California, she was orphaned as a ch...