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1920 - Born on April 8th in New York, New York. American jazz vocalist and pianist who outgrew an early emulation of vocalist Billie Holiday to become a distinctive stylist, known for her smoky voice and her lyrical, melodic variations—mostly on jazz standards.
1944 - McRae studied classical piano as a child, worked with bandleaders Benny Carter and Count Basie.
1946-1947 - Made her recording debut as Carmen Clarke (being then married to jazz drummer Kenny Clarke) with Mercer Ellington's orchestra.
1953-1954 - She spent several years as an intermission pianist in small nightclubs and in non-musical jobs until successfully recording.
1955 - She toured extensively (being particularly popular in Japan), recorded frequently, and appeared in many musical contexts.
1994 - Died on November 10th in Beverly Hills, California.
1944 - McRae studied classical piano as a child, worked with bandleaders Benny Carter and Count Basie.
1946-1947 - Made her recording debut as Carmen Clarke (being then married to jazz drummer Kenny Clarke) with Mercer Ellington's orchestra.
1953-1954 - She spent several years as an intermission pianist in small nightclubs and in non-musical jobs until successfully recording.
1955 - She toured extensively (being particularly popular in Japan), recorded frequently, and appeared in many musical contexts.
1994 - Died on November 10th in Beverly Hills, California.
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