Carmen McRae facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carmen McRae
Portrait by Zita Cypress, c. 1949
Background information
Birth name	Carmen Mercedes McRae
Born	(1920-04-08)April 8, 1920 Harlem, New York, U.S.
Died	November 10, 1994(1994-11-10) (aged 74) Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Genres	Jazz, vocal jazz, traditional pop
Occupation(s)	Singer, musician
Instruments	Vocals, piano
Years active	1939–1991
Labels	Decca, Kapp, Columbia, Mainstream, Atlantic, Blue Note, Concord, Novus
Associated acts	Jack Pleis, Sammy Davis, Jr., Billie Holiday, Norman Simmons, Cal Tjader, George Shearing, Dave Brubeck

Carmen Mercedes McRae (born April 8, 1920 – died November 10, 1994) was an American jazz singer. She is known as one of the most important jazz singers of the 20th century. People remember her for her unique way of singing, often a little behind the beat. She also had a special way of interpreting song lyrics.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Carmen McRae was born in Harlem, New York City. Her parents, Osmond and Evadne McRae, came from Jamaica. Carmen started learning to play the piano when she was eight years old. Her home was always filled with the sounds of jazz music. She listened to famous artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

When she was 17, she met the legendary singer Billie Holiday. Billie Holiday became a big influence on Carmen. Through some friends, one of Carmen's early songs, "Dream of Life," was recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939.

Starting Her Career in Jazz

In her late teens and early twenties, Carmen McRae played piano at a famous jazz club called Minton's Playhouse. She also sang in a chorus and worked as a secretary. At Minton's, she met many jazz greats. These included trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, bassist Oscar Pettiford, and drummer Kenny Clarke.

Her first important job was playing piano with Benny Carter's big band in 1944. She also worked with Count Basie that same year. Later, she made her first recording as a pianist with the Mercer Ellington Band. This was from 1946 to 1947.

While working in Brooklyn, she caught the attention of Milt Gabler from Decca Records. This led to a five-year contract with Decca. During this time, she released 12 albums!

Developing Her Style in Chicago

In 1948, Carmen moved to Chicago. She worked there as a pianist and singer at the Archway Lounge. She played piano steadily in many Chicago clubs for almost four years. These years in Chicago were very important for her. She said that this time helped her develop her own special singing style.

Becoming a Star in New York

Carmen returned to New York in 1952. Soon after, she got a record contract that really launched her career. In 1954, DownBeat magazine voted her the best new female vocalist.

Carmen McRae worked on many interesting music projects. She recorded with famous artists like Sammy Davis, Jr. and Louis Armstrong. She also made tribute albums to other jazz legends. One album, You're Lookin' at Me, honored Nat King Cole. She also recorded live duets with Betty Carter. Later in her career, she made albums honoring Thelonious Monk and Sarah Vaughan.

Because of her early friendship with Billie Holiday, Carmen always sang at least one song by "Lady Day" in her performances. In 1983, she recorded an album called For Lady Day in Billie Holiday's honor. This album included famous songs like "Good Morning Heartache" and "God Bless the Child". Carmen also recorded with top jazz musicians like Dave Brubeck, George Shearing, and Cal Tjader.

Amazing Live Performances

Carmen McRae sang in jazz clubs all over the United States and the world for more than 50 years. She was a very popular performer at the Monterey Jazz Festival many times. She also performed with Duke Ellington's orchestra at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1980. In 1989, she sang at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

In the late 1960s, she moved to Southern California. However, she still performed regularly in New York, often at the Blue Note Jazz Club. She usually had two shows a year there throughout the 1980s. In 1988, she worked with Harry Connick Jr. on a song for his first album.

Carmen stopped performing in May 1991. This was after she had trouble breathing, just hours after finishing a show at the Blue Note jazz club.

Her Final Years

Carmen McRae passed away on November 10, 1994, at her home in Beverly Hills, California. She was 74 years old.

Awards and Recognitions

Carmen McRae received many important awards during her career. She was nominated for several Grammy Awards for her jazz vocal performances.

She also received awards from important organizations:

Film and Television Appearances

Carmen McRae also appeared in some films and television shows. She often played herself, singing her amazing jazz songs.

Films

• 1955: The Square Jungle - Herself
• 1960: The Subterraneans - Herself
• 1967: Hotel
• 1985: Her song You Took Advantage of Me was used in the movie Real Genius.
• 1986: Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling

Television

• 1976: Soul
• 1976: Sammy and Company
• 1979: Carmen McRae in Concert
• 1979: Roots: The Next Generations
• 1980: From Jumpstreet
• 1981: At the Palace
• 1981: Billie Holiday. A Tribute
• 1982: L. A. Jazz

Images for kids

• 

  Portrait by Zita Cypress, c. 1949

See also

In Spanish: Carmen McRae para niños