Irene Kitchings facts for kids

Irene Kitchings was a talented African-American jazz musician. She was a pianist, a band leader, and a songwriter. Irene performed by herself and with different music groups. Later, she became a songwriter. She helped write famous songs like "Some Other Spring." These songs were even recorded by the legendary singer Billie Holiday.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Irene Kitchings was born Irene Armstrong in Marietta, Ohio. When she was 13, she moved to Detroit. She lived there with her aunt. Irene's mother taught her how to play the piano when she was a child.

By age 18, Irene was living in Chicago. She performed in jazz clubs. She played the piano by herself and with different bands. Sometimes, she used the name Irene Armstrong Edie. Irene even led her own band. Famous musicians like Budd Johnson and Walter Fuller played in her band.

Moving to New York and Songwriting

Around 1931, Irene married another jazz pianist, Teddy Wilson. In 1934, they moved to New York City. Teddy Wilson joined a famous group called the Benny Goodman Trio. After moving to New York, Irene stopped performing music herself.

Irene became good friends with singer Billie Holiday. Teddy Wilson introduced them. After Irene and Teddy divorced, Billie Holiday introduced Irene to songwriter Arthur Herzog, Jr.. Irene and Arthur wrote songs together. Their song "Some Other Spring" was first recorded by Billie Holiday. They also wrote "Ghost of Yesterday" and "I'm Pulling Through." Billie Holiday recorded these songs too.

Later in her life, Irene became ill. She moved to Cleveland to stay with an aunt. While in Cleveland, she met and married Elden Kitchings. She also learned to play the organ. Irene became very active in her church community.

Legacy of Irene Kitchings

Irene Kitchings passed away in 1975.

Sometimes, writers and historians confuse Irene Kitchings with another musician. This was Irene Higgenbotham, who was also an African-American songwriter and pianist. She also wrote songs that Billie Holiday performed.

Jazz singer Carmen McRae said that Irene Kitchings was a very important mentor to her. A mentor is someone who guides and teaches another person.