ABSTRACT
Vocalist Helen Merrill, born July 21, 1930, grew up in New York City and was first attracted to jazz through her older sister’s fascination with Billie Holiday and passion for swing dancing. While sitting in at a jam session in the Bronx in 1944, she received support from the house pianist that gave her confidence to pursue a career in music. “The pianist was Bud Powell and when I started singing, he suddenly stopped, turned around and looked at me with the biggest grin in the world, then he continue playing.” Within her interview, Merrill discusses the characteristics that make up a good singer. “It’s not necessarily about having a great voice, but the main thing is to understand the interpretation of whatever you are singing about. Sensitivity is most important and that’s what makes good music.”
