If Ella Fitzgerald's voice was sheer sunshine and Billie Holiday's a poignant dusk, then Blossom Dearie's was the very first sweet rays of early morning; it was often said she sounded like a little girl, a birdie. A Verve artist, she was also friends with Miles Davis and haunted New York jazz clubs with her wispy voice and boyish haircut in the 50's and 60's, giving very personal interpretations of standards. Hear her sing her smooth, tender "Surrey with the fringe on top", her swinging "I won't dance" and her high speed "Killing me softly with this song".She was one of my very favorite jazz singers of all times as well as an accomplished pianist, and on February 7 she went silent forever. It broke my heart.
And if you buy only one of her albums, go for Verve Jazz Masters 51: Blossom Dearie.
Emily Dickinson
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33 comments:
Yeah, I was so sad when I heard that she had passed away... but she did live a long time and made some great music.
what a nice tribute Mary-Laure. Love those flowers.
yes, I am going to listen to some of her music right now.
Très belle harmonie des couleurs, je sent les parfums.
Oh, Mr. C and I love Blossom too--we have all her CDs. What a lovely voice she had, and such a fabulous name!
TANGOBABY - I knew you'd be a fan, too!
LU LU - I hope you like it. Let me know what you think, ok?
SIAM - merci, c'est le plus beau compliment pour un photographe que de dire que les sens autres que la vue sont touches par une photo.
MISS CAVENDISH - was it her real name, do you know?
I thought it was fitting to pay tribute to Blossom with some flowers.
I mourn her loss too.
And I think her real name was Margarite Blossom Dearie. I'm not sure...
Very beautiful pictures!
Very moving tribute - and thank you for the links, I enjoyed hearing her sing this morning, very early, before starting the day.
beautiful photos and spot on about the lovely voice of Ms Blossom. Your tribute is beautifully written, thanks Ms Mary-Laure.
wish you a wonderful day
What beautiful pictures! Don't you just lover her name...Blossom Dearie? I just love it!
Thank you for dancing through my blog today! Always fun to see who is stopping in.
Always so sad to hear when a living legend passes away. Your lovely flower photos are a nice tribute dear Mary-Laure...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoZd4GKzOdQ
Touching post and yes, I want to listen to some of her music too...discover a new artist and remember one too.
AGNES DEER - Thanks for the info; I looked it up and indeed her name was Marguerite Blossom Dearie, which is funny because Marguerite is the name of a flower in French (a daisy).
GABBI - speaking of music: I listened to the album you mentioned on your blog (Laura Gibson), and just LOVED it.
ah yes...:)
nancy
Hello My friend Aurea,
So delicate and beautiful post. I love it.
I wish you are all right in France. This country is amazing!!
a kiss for you,
my best wishes,
Kira
Mary Laure, since Christmas we (my husband and I) have been thinking about buying some Blossom Dearie.
Thanks for the tip.
I think she is irreplaceable.
Again, you have introduced me to something lovely...just listened for the first time.
Beautiful photos! Thank you for the recommendation... I will have to check it out.
You're RIGHT it is lovely in L.A. now! Glad the rain moved out... although I heard it's coming back... so I am enjoying outdoor time today!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I couldn't believe when I read your message... If I only had the chance...
Your blog is lovely, and I particularly love this blossoms pictures.
See you soon.
Blossoms can't last forever, she shall be missed and live on too....
CLEVER PUP - I hope you enjoy that album, it's a classic and a real bargain on Amazon (under $10 I think).
SPANGLER - I'm surprised a jazz lover like you didn't know Blossom Dearie. I'm glad you liked her songs.
D. MOLL - yes, and at least we have wonderful recordings to remember her by and celebrate her art.
A very nice post for a wonderful person. Your pics are beautiful!
thank you! such lovely flowers. and the songs... I also hadn't known her.
Lovely tribute. Beautiful flowers. I will get that album and I know enjoy it.
Such gorgeous flowers.
thanks for introducing me to her music, i'm currently listening to her on the internet and i love it so far. such a peculiar voice!
BILLIE - yes, her voice was really very peculiar, both childlike and self assured. Unique, really.
What a lovely voice. Thank-you for sharing her (and for stopping by my blog.) I had never heard her voice...or name...she is jussssst perfect. Childlike, yet smokey. I shall have to follow your blog. Be well.
What a beautiful post Mary-Laure. My husband was a big Blossom fan, so was very sad to hear of her passing. She was apparently very demanding & exacting to work with, but that's the mark of a true artiste. Vale Miss Blossom.
Millie ^_^
Yes I was sad.
Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Blossom Dearie have been one of my favorite female jazz singers. Thanks for this post, and what beautiful pictures!!
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