RIP Blossom Dearie

Blossom Dearie, a classically trained pianist who transformed herself into a jazz singer possessing one of the most unique voices in all of music died Saturday in New York City. She was 82.

Born April 29, 1926 and given the most appropriate name of Marguerite Blossom Dearie. She later dropped her first name and used the middle and last as her stage name. Dearie's voice was tiny, almost child like. Sweet. Light, babyish to a point. Think of all the bad imitations of Marilyn Monroe. But while lacking in power, she had impeccable diction, rhythm, timing and a quick humming bird vibrato.

Starting a long solo career in Paris, Blossom went on to appear regularly in cabarets in London and New York. She created her own record label in the mid 70's (when as a teen I discovered her unique talents) and wrote several original songs with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

Her last recording was a single released in 2003 titled "It's All Right to be Afraid," dedicated to victims and survivors of September 11. Her last live appearance was in 2006 at a cabaret in Manhattan where she lived.

Her recordings are cult classics.

Here is a clip:



Here's to you, hip little cabaret doll! How do you say Auf Wiedersehn?