What are the first words that come to mind for you when you think of “The Blues”? Are you maybe feeling sad, a little lonely or are you singing your head off? For me it’s singing my head off. I can’t help but remember the vocals of such great artists as Billie Holiday, B.B. King, Willie Mae Thornton and Ella Fitzgerald. I realize that for some of you this is way before your time, but stay with me because it is so worthwhile.

Billie holiday, born Eleanora Fagan on April 7th, 1915, got her first big break as a Jazz artist in 1933 recording with Benny Goodman. One of my personal Billie Holiday favorites is “My Man”. Unfortunately she succumbed to drug and alcohol abuse and died on July 17th, 1959 at the very young age of 44.

I really cannot go down this road without taking my hat off to Mr. B.B. King. B.B. King was born Riley B. King on September 16th, 1925. He started out playing gospel music and turned to playing the blues in the late 1940’s. One of his most popular albums titled “Blues On The Bayou” from 1998, is an awe inspiring study of soulful music, and is certainly among my favorites.

In 1953 Willie Mae Thornton had a hit with “Hound dog”, the hit song later made more famous by Elvis. Born on December 11th, 1926 Willie Mae became better known as “Big Mama” Thornton. Ms. Thornton toured the country for the better part of three decades and contributed greatly to the blues. Willie Mae Thornton died on July 25th, 1984 at the age of 57 from heart failure.

Finally, I have to speak of Ella Fitzgerald. Born on April 25th, 1918. In 1938 she had her first hit with “A-Tisket, A-Tasket”. Ms. Fitzgerald died on June 15th, 1996 from diabetes complications, she was 78 years young.

Sometimes being born in later years, I think we are th one’s that missed out on so much. I, however, can only be thankful that these artists legends live on. We are still able to sing the blues.

Technorati Tags: artists, blues, Jazz, Music

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