Sallie Blair facts for kids

Sallie Blair (born Sarah Bolling Mason Hutchins, 1934 – February 17, 1992) was a talented American jazz singer. She started her career performing with famous musicians like Johnny Otis and Duke Ellington. Later, she joined Cab Calloway's Cotton Club Revue.

Sallie Blair recorded music for several record labels, including Bethlehem and MGM. However, she was most famous for her exciting live shows. Because of her striking looks and blonde hair, jazz legend Miles Davis once called her the "brown Marilyn Monroe."

Sallie Blair's Early Life and Music Career

Sallie Blair was born Sarah Bolling Mason Hutchins in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1934. Her mother was Sarah Mason, and her father was a professional golfer named Carlos Hutchins.

She went to Douglass High School. At just 16 years old, in 1950, she began performing. With her mother by her side, she used the stage name Sally Blair (sometimes spelled Sallie). She sang in local clubs in Baltimore, like Gamby's and the Casino.

After high school, Sallie toured with big names such as Duke Ellington and Johnny Otis. By 1953, she decided to perform on her own. She wanted to stop the constant travel of band tours.

Winning a TV Talent Show

In 1956, Sallie Blair won a TV talent show called Chance of a Lifetime on ABC-TV. She sang popular songs like "Cry Me A River." She won $1,000 and a chance to perform for a week at a nightclub in Miami.

During her shows, Sallie's performances were very exciting. She would often kick off her shoes during her last song, "That Old Black Magic." Many famous people came to watch her, including jazz bandleader Cab Calloway.

Performing with Cab Calloway

Cab Calloway was so impressed that he hired Sallie to be the main female singer in his Miami Beach Cotton Club Revue. Sallie received great reviews for her performances. However, she decided to leave the show while they were in Las Vegas. She felt that the way some artists were treated was not fair.

International Success and Famous Appearances

After leaving the revue, Sallie Blair moved to California. She became well-known and performed in many countries. She sang in South America, the Middle East, and Europe.

Sallie also appeared in popular magazines like Life, Esquire, and Ebony. She was also a guest on famous TV shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and Johnny Carson.

In 1956, Sallie sang the role of Serena in a jazz version of the opera Porgy and Bess. This album was released by Bethlehem Records. Her first album, Squeeze Me, came out in 1957. Her second album, Hello, Tiger!, was released in 1958.

Unique Performances and Later Career

Even though her records didn't always become big hits, Sallie Blair gained many fans because of her unique barefoot performances. She even kicked off her shoes in front of the royal family while performing in London!

Sallie was known for changing her hair color often. Her natural hair was auburn, but she dyed it many different colors, like blonde, silver, and even green. By 1963, her style became more sophisticated, and she often had dark brown hair.

Sallie Blair continued to appear on TV shows throughout the 1960s. These included The Danny Kaye Show.

In 1990, Sallie became ill and had surgery. She moved back to Baltimore to be with her mother. She passed away on February 17, 1992, at the age of 57.

Sallie Blair's Personal Life

In 1963, Sallie Blair married pianist and arranger René DeKnight. He was a member of the group The Delta Rhythm Boys. They got married in Honolulu.

Sallie Blair's Music Albums

Sallie Blair released several albums during her career.

Studio Albums

• 1957: Squeeze Me (Bethlehem Records)
• 1958: Hello, Tiger! (MGM Records)

Compilation Albums

• 2015: Sallie Blair: Complete Albums And Singles 1957-1962

Album Appearances

• 1956: George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess (Bethlehem Records)
• 1958: Meet The Girls (AAMCO Records)
• 1976: Bethlehem's Finest Volume 10 (Bethlehem Records)
• 2000: Jazz Vocal On Bethlehem (Bethlehem Records)
• 2013: Love Me Or Leave Me: The Bethlehem Records Story (One Day Music)

Singles

• 1957: "Ain't She Sweet" / "How Long Has This Been Going On" (Bethlehem 6009)
• 1958: "Whatever Lola Wants" / "Daddy" (MGM 1000)
• 1958: "Don'cha Go 'Way Mad" / "When The Sun Comes Out" (MGM 2673)
• 1958: "She Serves A Nice Cup Of Tea" / "Daddy" (MGM 2725)
• 1960: "More Than Anything" / "That Remains To Be Seen" (Top Rank International 2029)
• 1960: "It's A Sin To Tell A Lie" / "A Kiss A Day" (Top Rank International 2045)
• 1961: "Keep An Eye On Your Man" / "In The Still Of The Night" (Scepter 1216)
• 1962: "Come By Sunday" / "Then I'll Be Tired Of You" (Bethlehem 3010)
• 1971: "Let Me Come In" / "Walk, Proudly Walk" (Bell 967)