zoom_in Click to enlarge

Blossom Dearie

▲ ▼

description Blossom Dearie Overview

Blossom Dearie (1924-2009) was an American jazz singer and pianist known for her distinctive light, girlish voice and sophisticated piano style. She began her career in New York before moving to Paris in 1952, where she performed with the Blue Stars vocal group and recorded for the Barclay label. She returned to the United States in 1956 and established herself in the New York cabaret scene, founding her own Daffodil Records label in 1974. She contributed her voice to several Schoolhouse Rock!

educational segments, including "Figure Eight" and "Unpack Your Adjectives."

help Blossom Dearie FAQ

Why did Blossom Dearie sing in such a light voice?

Dearie's small, precise voice was her natural and carefully controlled instrument, not an imitation of a child. Its intimacy suited the witty lyrics and close rhythmic phrasing of songs by writers such as Dave Frishberg and Bob Dorough.

What was Blossom Dearie's connection to the Blue Stars of France?

While living in Paris in the 1950s, Dearie helped form the vocal group Les Blue Stars. The ensemble recorded a French version of Lullaby of Birdland and helped lead toward the later group The Swingle Singers.

Did Blossom Dearie play piano on her own albums?

Yes. She was an accomplished jazz pianist whose economical chords and rhythmic touch were integral to her performances. On albums for Verve, her piano is as characteristic as her voice.

Which Blossom Dearie songs appeared on Schoolhouse Rock?

Dearie performed several songs for the educational television series, including Figure Eight and Mother Necessity. These recordings introduced her distinctive voice to listeners outside jazz clubs and cabaret.