Chris Connor

Chris Connor was among the most popular '50s vocalists, famous for altering rhythms on ballads, using little vibrato except on special occasions, and accentuating her husky, lush sound. She began singing in her late teens, sang with Claude Thornhill and Herbie Fields, then joined Stan Kenton to record her most famous performance, "All About Ronnie." Connor went solo in the early '50s and made popular, successful recordings for Bethlehem and Atlantic. She reached the height of her popularity when she delivered celebrated versions of Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" and George Shearing's "Lullaby of Broadway." Following a period of semi-retirement, Connor made a comeback in the mid-'70s and recorded latter-day dates for Progressive, Stash, Contemporary, and Enja.