Songbird at Dusk

Jo Stafford has died in her home in California. Stephen Holden has written a lovely tribute and obituary in the New York Times; please read it here.

Jo Stafford had all the qualities I most admire in a singer. Her voice was lovely and natural, but that naturalness concealed a great technique and she made singing sound easy. Her diction was clear and conversational, her intonation flawless. Everything she sang was imbued with a quality of honesty that made the listener believe her. There were no mannerisms, and no pyrotechnics; her understatement was the greatest ally a lyricist could have, because she let the song speak for itself. And she could swing, oh my yes, and without "jazzy" mannerisms. Hers was a glowing and burnished sound, and hers also a grace that is very rare these days. It is our loss that we don't seem to have another Jo waiting in the wings.

She was a tremendous influence on me, and so tonight, I grieve for her death, and celebrate her life and  all the songs she sang, the hearts she comforted, and the smiles she teased onto our faces. I will miss her.