Carmen McRae
Carmen McRae | |
|---|---|
McRae c. 1960 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Carmen Mercedes McRae |
| Born | April 8, 1920 Harlem, New York, U.S. |
| Died | November 10, 1994 (aged 74) Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, vocal jazz, traditional pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1939–1991 |
| Labels | Decca, Kapp, Columbia, Mainstream, Atlantic, Blue Note, Concord, Novus |
| Formerly of | Jack Pleis, Sammy Davis Jr., Billie Holiday, Norman Simmons, Cal Tjader, George Shearing, Dave Brubeck |
Carmen Mercedes McRae (April 8, 1920 – November 10, 1994) was an American jazz singer. She is considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century and is remembered for her behind-the-beat phrasing and ironic interpretation of lyrics.