This year is the 100th anniversary of Carmen McRae’s birth – 1922 in Harlem, New York City.

Influenced by singers Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan, she is considered by many to be one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century.

She is remembered for her behind-the-beat phrasing and ironic interpretation of lyrics.  In 1984, she was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.

Claire Roberts joined us for our 2020 wall2wall Jazz Festival, which was frustrated by the first year of the pandemic lockdown and we were confined to a virtual festival.  With her trio, she produced an acclaimed video for us, bringing to life the music of Carmen McRae’s last album featuring Thelonius Monk’s music.

For this year’s wall2wall, Claire takes a wider look at McRae’s career – bringing us highlights of her music and an insight into this great jazz singer’s life.