Explore the underrated singer Maxine Sullivan from the 1930s, famed for 'Loch Lomond'. Delve into her swinging style with noted jazz musicians like Charlie Shavers and Buddy Rich. Unveil her unique contributions to jazz, from sentimental lyrics to sophisticated standards.
Maxine Sullivan was more than just a folk singer, showcasing swinging jazz sides with diverse accompanists.
Sullivan's collaborations with Claude Thornhill and John Kirby highlighted her versatility in reinterpreting jazz standards.
Deep dives
Maxine Sullivan's Musical Journey
Maxine Sullivan, a talented singer from the 1930s, was known for her understated and sophisticated style. Born in 1911 in Pittsburgh, she gained prominence in New York with the help of Claude Thornhill, a white pianist who produced recording dates for her. Sullivan's unique approach to swinging folk and classical music, like in the songs 'Lock Lomond' and 'Annie Laurie,' set her apart in the era of jazz. Despite not achieving massive popular success, she left a lasting impact with her interpretation of both jazz standards and traditional folk tunes.
Exploring Sullivan's Collaborations
Maxine Sullivan's collaborations with musicians like Claude Thornhill and members of the John Kirby Sextet showcased her versatility and ability to breathe new life into familiar tunes. With Thornhill's arrangements and orchestral backing, Sullivan's performances on tracks like 'Easy to Love' and 'Nice Work If You Can Get It' demonstrated a blend of sophistication and charm. Her marriage to John Kirby further solidified their musical partnership, resulting in a series of recordings that highlighted Sullivan's unique style and vocal prowess.
Diverse Repertoire and Continuation of Success
Maxine Sullivan's repertoire extended beyond traditional jazz standards, incorporating songs like 'It's Wonderful' and 'Down the Old Ox Road,' displaying her range and ability to infuse different genres into her music. Through various recording sessions in New York and Hollywood, Sullivan's collaborations with notable musicians like Bobby Hackett and Lloyd Reese added depth to her catalog. With a distinct voice and subtle yet captivating performances, Sullivan's artistry continued to evolve, solidifying her place as a significant figure in the jazz landscape.
Sullivan was not well known, except for her classic recording of "Loch Lomond" which stamped her as a semi-classical/folk singer in a jazz style. That wasn't a fair assessment at all, as can be heard from these swinging sides from 1936-40, accompanied by Charlie Shavers, Bobby Hackett, Lloyd ReeseMannie Klein, Frankie Newton, Buster Bailey, Jimmy Lytell, Babe Russin, Toots Mondello, Claude Thornhill, John Kirby, O'Neil Spencer, Buddy Rich and many others.