Eleven original publicity photographs of jazz vocalist Carmen McRae

Various cities: Various, Circa 1960s-1970s. Eleven vintage publicity photographs of noted jazz vocalist Carmen McRae, the balance dating between the 1960s and the 1970s, the height of her career. Included are two double weight photographs, and seven photographs with manuscript or printed photographer credits on the versos.

Born in Harlem, Carmen McRae began studying piano as a child, later working as a pianist, secretary, and chorus girl at the legendary Minton's Playhouse. Through her work at Minton's, McRae met Dizzy Gillespie and got her first break as a pianist with Benny Carter's big band. She made her recording debut (under her then-married name Carmen Clarke) with Mercer Ellington's orchestra in the mid-1940s. In the 1950s, McRae's star began to rise, having signed her first significant recording contract with Decca in 1954. She released albums with a variety of jazz greats, including Dave Brubeck, Louis Armstrong, George Shearing, Betty Carter, Cal Tjader, and Sammy Davis Jr., and was nominated for seven Grammy Awards over the course of her lengthy, 50-year career. McRae was forced to retire due to health issues in 1991, passing away three years later, at the age of 74.

8 x 10 inches. Generally Very Good plus or better.

[Book #170428]