Jeri Southern - Essential Classics, Vol. 394: Jeri Southern (2024)

Born 5th August 1926, Royal, Nebraska
Died 4th August 1991, Los Angeles

Originally a classically-trained pianist, she switched to playing jazz, later having some success as a singer - the female equivalent of Nat King Cole.

After beginning her career at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, she joined a United States Navy recruiting tour during World War II. In the late 1940s, she worked in clubs in Chicago where she once played piano for Anita O'Day. During this period, she became known for her singing, particularly for her renditions of torch songs.

Southern signed a contract with Decca Records in 1951 and became known both for pop and jazz. She recorded "When I Fall in Love" accompanied by the song's composer, Victor Young, and his orchestra in April 1952. In 1955, her recording of "An Occasional Man" reached number 89 on the Billboard magazine pop chart. She sang in films and in 1957 had a hit with "Fire Down Below". The song peaked at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1957. After joining Capitol Records, she had success with interpretations of Cole Porter songs arranged by Billy May.