Music Pick: Mildred Bailey

Mildred Bailey (1907-1950) is one of the forgotten greats of the Big Band and Swing Era. In the late 20's she parlayed her musical family background to become a renowned west coast blues and jazz singer. Before becoming a national star she helped her brother Al Rinker's singing trio get gigs. One member was Bing Crosby, who arguably owes some of his superstardom success to Bailey. He then helped her become famous as a singer with Paul Whiteman's Orchestra, the top jazz outfit in the nation, from 1929 to 1933. After Whiteman, she became an even bigger star recording with many jazz greats including Eddie Lang, Frankie Trumbauer, the Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman and Coleman Hawkins. She recorded dozens of hits with her husband and xylophone / vibes great Red Norvo. They ruled New York jazz society for a decade under the moniker 'Mr. & Mrs. Swing'. Bailey could swing with the best, using her pristine and emotive voice to great effect. Obesity and diabetes cut short her life at 43 in 1950. I haven't a clue what Madonna or Lady Gaga sound like but you just need to hear one Mildred Bailey record, like the feature 'I don't stand a ghost of a chance' from June 27, 1939, to have her distinctive chops embedded in your brain. And you can make out every word. She deserves to be heard by every new generation.