Birthday Greetings Unchained Melodic Heart Etta Jones
🎂Etta Jones, born November 25 in Aiken, South Carolina and raised in Harlem, New York, was a jazz singer. Her understated bluesy soulful sound gave her the ability to turn any standard or ballad into a touchingly colorful panoramic heart experience. That delivery enabled her to tour, while still a teenager, with the Buddy Jonhson Band. She is best known for her hit songs “Don’t Go To Strangers” and “Save Your Love For Me.”
In New York City, her hit “Don’t Go To Strangers'” lyrics became a line for many a men dumped by their girlfriends. “Build your dreams to the stars above/ but when you need someone to love don’t go to strangers/ come on to me.” Love hurts — even for guys!
During the 1970s and into the 90s, Etta was known for her live performances with legendary tenor saxophonist Houston Person. During that period, the two of them recorded a string of memorable albums for the Muse Record label; accompanied in a trio setting often performed in Harlem’s clubs as the Lenox Lounge, Showman’s, and City College’s Aaron Davis Hall. They enjoyed a 30-year partnership — Houston also produced many of her albums.
Between 1947-48, Etta had a contract with RCA Records which led to a regular gig with Earl Hines from 1949-1952. She enjoyed a five year stretch with Prestige Records from 1960-65. Etta has the distinction of being one of the few female singers to have ever tour with the drummer Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers (1970).
Etta worked with the noted arranger/musician Oliver Nelson and jazz icons Frank Wess, Roy Haynes, and Gene Ammons. Her last recording, A Tribute to Billie Holiday, was released on the day of her death.
In 2008, the album “Don’t Go to Strangers” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Listen to Etta Jones’ classic heartbreaker (Saxophone by Houston Pearson) “Don’t Misunderstand“.
Listen too to Etta Jones’ so warm classic Unchained Melody
Photo: Lioneldecoster, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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