Anita O'Day
October 18, 1919 - November 23, 2006
Anita O'day was an American jazz singer. O'Day was admired for her sense of rhythm and dynamics, and her early big band appearances shattered the traditional image of the "girl singer". Refusing to pander to any female sterotype, O'Day presented herself as a 'hip' jazz musician, wearing a band jacket and skirt as opposed to an evening gown. She cited Martha Raye as the primary influence on her vocal style, although she also expressed admiration for Mildred Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.(more)
