Anita O’Day was an American jazz singer and songwriter, known for her dynamic and improvisational vocal style. Born in Chicago in 1919, O’Day began her career as a teenage singer in local clubs, and soon gained national recognition as a member of Gene Krupa’s band in the late 1930s. Over the course of her long and illustrious career, she performed with many of the greatest jazz musicians of the 20th century, including Louis Armstrong, Stan Kenton, and Oscar Peterson.
O’Day’s unique vocal style was characterized by its light and playful quality, as well as its strong sense of swing and rhythm. She was a skilled improviser, often using scat singing and other vocal techniques to create intricate and complex melodies on the fly. Her recordings, which spanned several decades, are regarded as classics of the jazz genre and continue to be admired and studied by musicians and fans alike.
Beyond her musical talent, O’Day was also known for her charismatic stage presence and her sharp wit. Her personal struggles with addiction and mental health issues were also well-documented, and she became an advocate for addiction recovery later in life.
Anita O’Day’s impact on jazz music and popular culture is undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Her ability to infuse each song with her own unique style and personality is a testament to her incredible talent and her enduring influence on the genre of jazz.
1. What Is This Thing Called Love?
“What Is This Thing Called Love?” is a timeless jazz standard originally written by Cole Porter in 1929, but made famous by the iconic jazz vocalist Anita O’Day in her 1956 recording. O’Day’s rendition is characterized by her clear and effortless vocals, backed by a swinging big band that provides a lively and playful accompaniment. The song’s lyrics explore the bewilderment and excitement of falling in love, and O’Day’s expressive phrasing and improvisational scatting bring them to life with passion and emotion. “What Is This Thing Called Love?” is a classic example of O’Day’s inimitable style, and remains a beloved favorite of jazz fans worldwide.
2. Tea For Two
“Tea For Two” is a classic jazz song famously performed by Anita O’Day. The song was originally composed by Vincent Youmans with lyrics by Irving Caesar for the 1925 musical “No, No, Nanette”. O’Day’s version, recorded in 1958, is a lively and swinging interpretation of the song, showcasing her trademark improvisational style and scat singing. Her vocal phrasing and rhythmic precision create a sense of playfulness and joy that perfectly captures the song’s playful lyrics about sharing a cup of tea with someone special. Overall, “Tea For Two” is a timeless classic that continues to delight listeners with its infectious melody and spirited performance.
3. Whisper Not feat. The Three Sounds
“Whisper Not” is a beautiful jazz ballad by Anita O’Day, originally written by Benny Golson in 1956. O’Day’s 1962 recording of the song, featuring the accompaniment of the legendary jazz trio The Three Sounds, is a standout rendition that showcases her impeccable vocal control and emotional depth. The song’s slow and sultry melody allows O’Day’s voice to shine, with her smooth and nuanced phrasing bringing the lyrics to life with intimacy and grace. The Three Sounds provide a delicate and understated backing that perfectly complements O’Day’s vocals, resulting in a beautiful and timeless performance that remains a beloved classic of jazz music.
4. Them There Eyes
“Them There Eyes” is a popular jazz standard performed by Anita O’Day. The song was written in 1930 by Maceo Pinkard, Doris Tauber, and William Tracey, and has been covered by many jazz musicians over the years. O’Day’s version, recorded in 1959, is a lively and upbeat rendition of the song, showcasing her dynamic vocal range and playful sense of swing. Her improvisational scatting adds an extra layer of excitement and energy to the performance, making it a standout among other versions of the song. Overall, “Them There Eyes” is a classic jazz tune that highlights Anita O’Day’s incredible talent and versatility as a performer.
5. Let Me Off Uptown
“Let Me Off Uptown” is a popular jazz song famously performed by Anita O’Day and Roy Eldridge. The song was written by Earl Bostic and Redd Evans in 1941, and has since become a beloved standard in the genre. O’Day’s version, recorded in 1941 with the Gene Krupa Orchestra, features her signature improvisational scatting and playful vocal style, while Eldridge’s trumpet solo adds an extra layer of excitement and energy to the performance. Overall, “Let Me Off Uptown” is a lively and swinging tune that showcases the unique talents of both O’Day and Eldridge.
6. Sing, Sing, Sing
“Sing, Sing, Sing” is a famous jazz standard originally composed by Louis Prima in 1936, but it was Anita O’Day’s 1958 recording that became a classic. O’Day’s version features her signature scatting and improvisation, backed by a swinging big band led by drummer Gene Krupa. The song’s catchy melody and infectious rhythm inspire a sense of joy and celebration, and O’Day’s playful and lively vocals capture that spirit perfectly. Her scatting is a masterclass in jazz vocalization, showcasing her remarkable talent and unique style. “Sing, Sing, Sing” is a beloved classic that remains a staple of jazz playlists and a testament to O’Day’s legendary status in the genre.
7. Honeysuckle Rose
“Honeysuckle Rose” is a classic jazz tune written by Fats Waller and first recorded in 1929. Anita O’Day’s 1957 rendition of the song is a lively and upbeat take on the classic, featuring her signature scatting and improvisational style. Backed by a swinging big band, O’Day’s vocals are full of energy and playfulness, capturing the joy and excitement of falling in love. Her scatting solos are a highlight of the performance, showcasing her impeccable vocal control and mastery of the jazz style. “Honeysuckle Rose” remains a beloved classic of the genre, and O’Day’s version is a testament to her status as one of jazz music’s most iconic vocalists.
8. You’re The Top
“You’re the Top” is a classic jazz standard famously performed by Anita O’Day. The song was written by Cole Porter for the 1934 musical “Anything Goes”, and has since become a popular favorite among jazz musicians and fans. O’Day’s version, recorded in 1957, is a lively and upbeat interpretation of the song, featuring her trademark improvisational scatting and playful vocal style. Her dynamic range and precision create a sense of joy and exuberance that perfectly captures the song’s clever and witty lyrics. Overall, “You’re the Top” is a timeless classic that showcases Anita O’Day’s incredible talent and enduring legacy in the world of jazz music.
9. My Heart Belongs to Daddy
“My Heart Belongs to Daddy” is a classic jazz standard famously performed by Anita O’Day. The song was written by Cole Porter for the 1938 musical “Leave It to Me!”, and has since become a popular favorite among jazz musicians and fans. O’Day’s version, recorded in 1956, is a sultry and swinging interpretation of the song, featuring her distinctive vocal style and improvisational scatting. Her smooth and seductive delivery perfectly captures the song’s playful and provocative lyrics, making it a standout among other versions of the song. Overall, “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” is a timeless classic that highlights Anita O’Day’s incredible talent and enduring influence in the world of jazz music.
10. Old Devil Moon
“Old Devil Moon” is a popular jazz standard that has been covered by many great artists, but Anita O’Day’s 1958 recording is widely regarded as one of the best. The song, originally from the musical “Finian’s Rainbow”, features a memorable melody and catchy lyrics that speak to the temptation and allure of love. O’Day’s rendition is characterized by her rich and expressive vocals, backed by a lively and energetic big band that perfectly captures the song’s joyful spirit. Her interpretation is a masterclass in jazz phrasing and improvisation, and showcases her remarkable talent and unique style. “Old Devil Moon” is a classic of the genre, and O’Day’s version remains a beloved favorite among jazz fans.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
