The Lass with the Delicate Air

The Lass with the Delicate Air is the first solo studio album by English actress and singer Julie Andrews, released by RCA Victor in mono in 1957, with a stereo edition following in 1958. The album features a collection of English ballads and British folk songs, including "Canterbury Fair" and "Where'er You Walk". The latter held particular significance for Andrews, as it was part of her childhood repertoire with her stepfather.

The album was arranged and conducted by Irwin Kostal, marking the beginning of an extended collaboration between him and Andrews. Kostal later worked as the arranger and conductor for the films Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Andrews recalled that at the time of the recording, she appeared so young that she had difficulty hailing a taxi and had to walk to the recording session in the pouring rain.

The album was released the same year Andrews received a nomination at the 10th Primetime Emmy Awards for her role in the television musical adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The singer later reflected that RCA Victor had hoped she would choose more popular songs for the album, but she was determined to record these selections, believing that such minor classics would become more challenging for her to sing in the future.

In 1966, when the artist was at the peak of her career with her film productions Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, the Australian division of RCA Victor declared "May Is Julie Andrews Month" and launched a promotional campaign featuring four albums by the beloved star: The Lass with the Delicate Air, Rose Marie, The Boy Friend, and Julie Andrews Sings.