Blossom Dearie
Encyclopedia
Blossom Dearie was an American
jazz
singer and pianist
, often performing in the bebop
genre and remembered for her girlish voice.
to a father of Irish-Scottish descent and a mother of Scandinavian descent. Different sources state her given names variously as Blossom Margrete, Marguerite Blossom, or Margrethe Blossom. As a child she studied Western classical
piano
but switched to jazz
in her teens. After high school Dearie moved to New York City
to pursue a music career and began to sing in groups such as the Blue Flames (with the Woody Herman Orchestra
) and the Blue Reys (with Alvino Rey
's band) before starting her solo career.
She moved to Paris
in 1952 and formed a vocal group, the Blue Stars of Paris, which included Michel Legrand
's sister, Christiane Legrand
, and Bob Dorough
. In 1954 the group had a hit in France
with a French-language
version of "Lullaby of Birdland
". The Blue Stars would later evolve into the Swingle Singers. While in Paris she met her future husband, the Belgian
flutist and saxophonist Bobby Jaspar
. On her first solo album, released two years later, she plays the piano but does not sing.
One of her most famous songs from that period is "The Riviera
", which was written and composed by Cy Coleman
and Joseph McCarthy Jr.
in 1956.
in the late 1950s and early 1960s, mostly in a small trio or quartet setting. Dave Garroway
, host of The Today Show and an early fan of Dearie, featured her on several occasions, increasing her exposure with the popular audience. In 1962, she recorded a radio commercial for Hires Root Beer
. As it proved very popular, the LP Blossom Dearie Sings Rootin' Songs was released as a premium item that could be ordered for one dollar and a proof of purchase.
In 1964, she recorded the album May I Come In? (Capitol
/EMI Records
). It was recorded, atypically for her, with an orchestra. During this same period, Dearie performed frequently in New York supper club
s and in 1966 made her first appearance at Ronnie Scott
's club in London
. She recorded four albums in the United Kingdom
during the 1960s which were released on the Fontana label.
", an ode to the British pop star co-written by Dearie with Norma Tanega
), which was released in 1970. In 1974, Dearie established her own label, Daffodil Records
, which allowed her to have full control of the recording and distribution of her albums. Dearie appeared on television throughout her career, most notably giving her voice to the children's educational series Schoolhouse Rock!
. Some of her pieces in this series were written by her good friend Bob Dorough
, the jazz singer and composer. Her voice can be heard on "Mother Necessity", "Figure Eight" and "Unpack Your Adjectives".
Songwriter Johnny Mercer
, with whom she collaborated for her 1975 song, I'm Shadowing You, gave one of his final compositions to Dearie for the title song of her 1976 Daffodil album, My New Celebrity is You.
Her voice and songs have been featured on the soundtracks of several films, including Kissing Jessica Stein
, My Life Without Me
, The Squid and the Whale
, andThe Adventures of Felix. She also recorded songs with other singers, including Lyle Lovett
. She continued to perform in clubs until 2006. One of the last remaining supper-club performers, she performed regular engagements in London
and New York City
over many years.
, New York City
.
She was survived by her older brother as well as a nephew and a niece.
Barclay Records
Verve Records
Hires Root Beer/DIW Records
Capitol/EMI Records
Fontana Records
Daffodil Records
EMI Records
With other artists
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
singer and pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
, often performing in the bebop
Bebop
Bebop differed drastically from the straightforward compositions of the swing era, and was instead characterized by fast tempos, asymmetrical phrasing, intricate melodies, and rhythm sections that expanded on their role as tempo-keepers...
genre and remembered for her girlish voice.
Early career
Blossom Dearie was born on April 28, 1924, in East Durham, New YorkDurham, New York
Durham is a town in Greene County, New York, United States. The population was 2,725 at the 2010 census. The town was named after Durham, Connecticut.The Town of Durham is in the northwest corner of the county.- History :...
to a father of Irish-Scottish descent and a mother of Scandinavian descent. Different sources state her given names variously as Blossom Margrete, Marguerite Blossom, or Margrethe Blossom. As a child she studied Western classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
but switched to jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
in her teens. After high school Dearie moved to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
to pursue a music career and began to sing in groups such as the Blue Flames (with the Woody Herman Orchestra
Woody Herman
Woodrow Charles Herman , known as Woody Herman, was an American jazz clarinetist, alto and soprano saxophonist, singer, and big band leader. Leading various groups called "The Herd," Herman was one of the most popular of the 1930s and '40s bandleaders...
) and the Blue Reys (with Alvino Rey
Alvino Rey
Alvin McBurney , known by his stage name Alvino Rey, was an American swing era musician and pioneer, often credited as the father of the pedal steel guitar...
's band) before starting her solo career.
She moved to Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
in 1952 and formed a vocal group, the Blue Stars of Paris, which included Michel Legrand
Michel Legrand
Michel Jean Legrand is a French musical composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist...
's sister, Christiane Legrand
Christiane Legrand
Christiane Legrand was a French singer.Legrand was born in Paris, the daughter of film composer Raymond Legrand, who wrote "Irma la Douce."She studied piano and classical music from the time she was four...
, and Bob Dorough
Bob Dorough
Bob Dorough is an American bebop and cool jazz pianist, composer and vocalese singer.He worked with Miles Davis and Allen Ginsberg, and his adventurous style was an influence on Mose Allison, among other singers...
. In 1954 the group had a hit in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
with a French-language
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
version of "Lullaby of Birdland
Lullaby of Birdland
"Lullaby of Birdland" is a 1952 popular song with music by George Shearing and lyrics by George David Weiss under the pseudonym "B. Y. Forster" in order to circumvent the rule that ASCAP and BMI composers could not collaborate....
". The Blue Stars would later evolve into the Swingle Singers. While in Paris she met her future husband, the Belgian
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
flutist and saxophonist Bobby Jaspar
Bobby Jaspar
Bobby Jaspar was a cool jazz and hard bop saxophonist, flautist and composer born in Liège, Belgium. He was married to the jazz singer Blossom Dearie....
. On her first solo album, released two years later, she plays the piano but does not sing.
One of her most famous songs from that period is "The Riviera
Riviera (song)
The Riviera is a song written and composed by Cy Coleman and Joseph McCarthy, Jr. in 1956. The song was made popular by cabaret singer Mabel Mercer but the version best known is that performed by Blossom Dearie....
", which was written and composed by Cy Coleman
Cy Coleman
Cy Coleman was an American composer, songwriter, and jazz pianist.-Life and career:He was born Seymour Kaufman on June 14, 1929, in New York City to Eastern European Jewish parents, and was raised in the Bronx. His mother, Ida was an apartment landlady and his father was a brickmason...
and Joseph McCarthy Jr.
Joseph McCarthy (lyricist)
Joseph McCarthy was an American lyricist whose most famous songs include You Made Me Love You, and I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, based upon the haunting melody from the middle section of Chopin's "Fantasie Impromptu".McCarthy, who was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, was a frequent collaborator...
in 1956.
Late 1950s and 1960s
After returning from France, Dearie made her first six American albums as a solo singer and pianist for Verve RecordsVerve Records
Verve Records is an American jazz record label now owned by Universal Music Group. It was founded by Norman Granz in 1956, absorbing the catalogues of his earlier labels, Clef Records and Norgran Records , and material which had been licensed to Mercury previously.-Jazz and folk origins:The Verve...
in the late 1950s and early 1960s, mostly in a small trio or quartet setting. Dave Garroway
Dave Garroway
David Cunningham "Dave" Garroway was the founding host of NBC's Today from 1952 to 1961. His easygoing, relaxed, and relaxing style belied a battle with depression that may have contributed to the end of his days as a leading television personality—and, eventually, his life...
, host of The Today Show and an early fan of Dearie, featured her on several occasions, increasing her exposure with the popular audience. In 1962, she recorded a radio commercial for Hires Root Beer
Hires Root Beer
Hires Root Beer is a soft drink which is currently marketed by Dr Pepper Snapple Group. The manufacturer considers it the longest continuously made soft drink in the United States; however, Vernor's ginger ale is even older dating back to 1866.- History :Hires Root Beer was created by...
. As it proved very popular, the LP Blossom Dearie Sings Rootin' Songs was released as a premium item that could be ordered for one dollar and a proof of purchase.
In 1964, she recorded the album May I Come In? (Capitol
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
/EMI Records
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
). It was recorded, atypically for her, with an orchestra. During this same period, Dearie performed frequently in New York supper club
Supper club
A supper club, in general, refers to a dining establishment that also functions as a social club. The term may describe different establishments depending on the region, but in general, supper clubs tend to present themselves as having a high-class image, even if the price is affordable to...
s and in 1966 made her first appearance at Ronnie Scott
Ronnie Scott
Ronnie Scott was an English jazz tenor saxophonist and jazz club owner.-Life and career:Ronnie Scott was born in Aldgate, east London, into a family of Russian Jewish descent on his father's side, and Portuguese antecedents on his mother's. Scott began playing in small jazz clubs at the age of...
's club in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. She recorded four albums in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
during the 1960s which were released on the Fontana label.
1970s and later
After a period of inactivity, Dearie recorded the album That's Just the Way I Want to Be (containing the cult song "Dusty SpringfieldDusty Springfield
Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'BrienSources use both Isabel and Isobel as the spelling of her second name. OBE , known professionally as Dusty Springfield and dubbed The White Queen of Soul, was a British pop singer whose career extended from the late 1950s to the 1990s...
", an ode to the British pop star co-written by Dearie with Norma Tanega
Norma Tanega
Norma Cecilia Tanega was an American folk/pop singer. She was a camp counselor in the Catskills when she signed to New Voice Records in 1966. Her debut single, "Walkin' My Cat Named Dog", reached #22 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, but she never came close to charting there again. She retains...
), which was released in 1970. In 1974, Dearie established her own label, Daffodil Records
Daffodil Records
Daffodil Records is a record label started in the early 1970s by jazz musician Blossom Dearie after her disappointment in the lack of interest shown by existing labels in her particular style of jazz music....
, which allowed her to have full control of the recording and distribution of her albums. Dearie appeared on television throughout her career, most notably giving her voice to the children's educational series Schoolhouse Rock!
Schoolhouse Rock!
Schoolhouse Rock! is an American interstitial programming series of animated musical educational short films that aired during the Saturday morning children's programming on the U.S. television network ABC. The topics covered included grammar, science, economics, history, mathematics, and civics...
. Some of her pieces in this series were written by her good friend Bob Dorough
Bob Dorough
Bob Dorough is an American bebop and cool jazz pianist, composer and vocalese singer.He worked with Miles Davis and Allen Ginsberg, and his adventurous style was an influence on Mose Allison, among other singers...
, the jazz singer and composer. Her voice can be heard on "Mother Necessity", "Figure Eight" and "Unpack Your Adjectives".
Songwriter Johnny Mercer
Johnny Mercer
John Herndon "Johnny" Mercer was an American lyricist, songwriter and singer. He is best known as a lyricist, but he also composed music. He was also a popular singer who recorded his own songs as well as those written by others...
, with whom she collaborated for her 1975 song, I'm Shadowing You, gave one of his final compositions to Dearie for the title song of her 1976 Daffodil album, My New Celebrity is You.
Her voice and songs have been featured on the soundtracks of several films, including Kissing Jessica Stein
Kissing Jessica Stein
Kissing Jessica Stein is a 2001 independent romantic comedy film, written and co-produced by the film's stars, Jennifer Westfeldt and Heather Juergensen. The film also stars Tovah Feldshuh and is directed by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld...
, My Life Without Me
My Life Without Me
My Life Without Me is a 2003 Spanish/Canadian film directed by Isabel Coixet and starring Sarah Polley, Mark Ruffalo, Scott Speedman, and Leonor Watling. Based on the book Pretending the Bed Is a Raft by Nanci Kincaid, it tells a story of the dying process of a 23-year-old woman who has a husband...
, The Squid and the Whale
The Squid and the Whale
The Squid and the Whale is a 2005 American drama film written and directed by Noah Baumbach and produced by Wes Anderson. It tells the semi-autobiographical story of two boys in Brooklyn dealing with their parents' divorce in the 1980s. The film is named after a giant squid and sperm whale diorama...
, andThe Adventures of Felix. She also recorded songs with other singers, including Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett
Lyle Pearce Lovett is an American singer-songwriter and actor. Active since 1980, he has recorded thirteen albums and released 21 singles to date, including his highest entry, the number 10 chart hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, "Cowboy Man"...
. She continued to perform in clubs until 2006. One of the last remaining supper-club performers, she performed regular engagements in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
over many years.
Death
Dearie died on February 7, 2009, aged 84, at her apartment in Greenwich VillageGreenwich Village
Greenwich Village, , , , .in New York often simply called "the Village", is a largely residential neighborhood on the west side of Lower Manhattan in New York City. A large majority of the district is home to upper middle class families...
, New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
She was survived by her older brother as well as a nephew and a niece.
Discography
EmArcy/Mercury Records- The Blue Stars of France: Lullaby of Birdland and Other Famous Hits (1954) (with the Blue Stars vocal group)
Barclay Records
- Blossom Dearie Plays "April in Paris"April in Paris (song)"April in Paris" is a song composed by Vernon Duke with lyrics by E. Y. Harburg in 1932 for the Broadway musical, Walk A Little Faster. The original 1933 hit was performed by Freddy Martin, and the 1952 remake was by the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, whose version made the Cashbox Top 50.Composer Alec...
(1956) (piano only)
Verve Records
- Blossom DearieBlossom Dearie (album)Blossom Dearie is a 1957 studio album by Blossom Dearie, it was her first recording for Verve Records.This is Dearie's first American solo album...
(1957) - Give Him the Ooh-La-LaGive Him the Ooh-La-La (album)Give Him the Ooh-La-La is a 1958 studio album by Blossom Dearie.This album is the second of six albums Dearie recorded for Verve Records...
(1957) - Once Upon a SummertimeOnce Upon a SummertimeOnce Upon a Summertime is a 1959 album by Blossom Dearie.This is the third in a series of six albums recorded by Dearie for the Verve label. The liner notes quote Dearie as saying "Norman Granz called and asked me to make another album with Tom Nola. He had Ray Brown playing bass, Mundell Lowe...
(1958) - Blossom Dearie Sings Comden and GreenBlossom Dearie Sings Comden and GreenBlossom Dearie Sings Comden and Green is a 1959 album by Blossom Dearie, focusing on the work of lyricists Betty Comden and Adolph Green.-Track listing:#"Lucky to Be Me" – 4:02#"Just in Time" – 3:33...
(1959) - Soubrette Sings Broadway Hit SongsSoubrette Sings Broadway Hit SongsSoubrette: Blossom Dearie Sings Broadway Hit Songs is a 1960 studio album by Blossom Dearie, with an orchestra arranged by Russell Garcia.This was Dearie's first album recorded with full orchestral arrangements.-Track listing:...
(1960) - My Gentleman FriendMy Gentleman Friend-Track listing:#"Little Jazz Bird" – 3:43#"Gentleman Friend" – 3:49#"It's Too Good to Talk About Now" – 3:09...
(1961)
Hires Root Beer/DIW Records
- Blossom Dearie Sings Rootin' SongsBlossom Dearie Sings Rootin' SongsBlossom Dearie Sings Rootin' Songs is a 1963 studio album by Blossom Dearie.Her first album after leaving Verve Records, Blossom Dearie Sings Rootin' Songs was recorded for Hires Root Beer, on whose television commercials Dearie had sung. The album was originally available for 50¢ and two bottle...
(1963)
Capitol/EMI Records
- May I Come In?May I Come In?May I Come In? is a 1964 studio album by Blossom Dearie, arranged by Jack Marshall. - Track listing :# "Something Happens to Me" – 2:02# "I'm in Love Again" – 2:45...
(1964)
Fontana Records
- Blossom Time at Ronnie Scott'sBlossom Time at Ronnie Scott'sBlossom Time at Ronnie Scott's is a 1966 live album by Blossom Dearie.Recorded at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, this was Dearie's first live album.-Track listing:#"On Broadway" – 3:55...
(1966) (live) - Sweet Blossom DearieSweet Blossom DearieSweet Blossom Dearie is a 1967 live album by Blossom Dearie.It is the second album Dearie has recorded at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, and is subsequently her second live album to be released.-Track listing:...
(1967) (live) - Soon It's Gonna Rain (1967)
- That's Just the Way I Want to BeThat's Just the Way I Want to BeThat's Just the Way I Want to Be is a 1970 album by Blossom Dearie. It is noteworthy among her recordings in that, for the first time, the focus is on Dearie as a songwriter with her co-writing nine of the album's 12 tracks)...
(1970)
Daffodil Records
- Blossom Dearie Sings (1974)
- 1975: From The Meticulous to the Sublime (1975)
- My New Celebrity is You (1976)
- Winchester in Apple Blossom Time (1977)
- Needlepoint Magic (1979) (live)
- Simply (1983)
- Positively (1983)
- Et Tu, Bruce (1984) (live)
- Chez Wahlberg: Part OneChez Wahlberg: Part OneChez Wahlberg: Part One is a 1985 album by Blossom Dearie.Although the album is titled as part one, a second part was never released.-Side one:#"Only Yesterday"#"Sad Song Lady"#"Are You Still in Love with Emily?"...
(1985) - Songs of ChelseaSongs of ChelseaSongs of Chelsea is a 1988 studio album by Blossom Dearie.-Track listing:#"My Attorney Bernie" #"Ev'rything I've Got" #"C'est le printemps"...
(1987) - Tweedledum & Tweedledee (Two People Who Resemble Each Other, in this Case Musically) (1991) (with Mike RenziMike RenziMike Renzi is an American pianist, arranger, and musical director. He is best known for his collaborations with some of the legends of pop-jazz singing, notably Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Mel Tormé, Cleo Laine, Blossom Dearie, and Jack Jones...
) - Christmas Spice So Very Nice (1991) (with Mike Renzi)
- Our Favorite Songs (1996) (compilation)
- I'm Hip (1998) (compilation)
- Blossom's Planet (2000)
- It's All Right to Be Afraid (2003 single)
EMI Records
- Me and Phil (1994)
With other artists
- Alan Jay Lerner Revisited
- Arthur Schwartz Revisited
- Cole Porter Revisited Volume IV
- DeSylva, Brown & Henderson Revisited Volume I
- Frank Loesser Revisited
- Harold Arlen Revisited
- Harold Arlen & Vernon Duke Revisited Volume II
- Ira Gershwin Revisited
- Irving Berlin Revisited
- Kurt Weill Revisited Volume II
- Oscar Hammerstein Revisited
- Rodgers & Hart Revisited Volume II
- Rodgers & Hart Revisited Volume III
- Rodgers & Hart Revisited Volume IV
- Unpublished Cole Porter Volume II
- Vernon Duke Revisited
- Vincent Youmans Revisited
- Hold On to Your Hats (Complete Score)
Further reading
- Balliett, Whitney (1988). American Singers: 27 Portraits in Song. New York, Oxford University PressOxford University PressOxford University Press is the largest university press in the world. It is a department of the University of Oxford and is governed by a group of 15 academics appointed by the Vice-Chancellor known as the Delegates of the Press. They are headed by the Secretary to the Delegates, who serves as...
. ISBN 0195046102. - Yohe, Tom and George Newall (1996). Schoolhouse Rock!: The Official Guide. New York, Hyperion Press. ISBN 0786881704.