O'Day, Anita (1919–)

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O'Day, Anita (1919–)

American jazz singer. Name variations: Anita Colton. Born Anita Belle Colton, Oct 18, 1919, in Kansas City, MO (some sources cite Chicago, IL); m. Don Carter (drummer, div.); m. Carl Hoff (professional golfer, div.).

Known for brilliant jazz improvisations, had 1st professional singing job with Max Miller combo at Chicago's Three Deuces club; hired by Gene Krupa, with whom she recorded her biggest hit, "Let Me Off Uptown" (1941); often shared other successful vocals with trumpeter Roy Eldridge, including "That's What You Think," "Thanks for the Boogie Ride" and "Boogie Blues"; did a stint with Stan Kenton (1944), recording the million-selling "And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine," among others; embarked on a successful solo career (1946); released 1st full-length solo album, Anita (1956), followed by 14 more albums on Verve label; appeared at Newport Jazz Festival and was featured in highly regarded documentary Jazz on a Summer's Day (1958); nearly died of drug overdose (1966); finally quit heroin (1969); reached a career milestone with a concert at Carnegie Hall celebrating 50th year in jazz (1985).

See also autobiography (with George Eells) High Times, Hard Times (1981); and Women in World History.

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