There’s a myth that Lady Day couldn’t sing any more near the end of her life. Untrue. She lost some of her range but her voice lost none of its expressive power.

I’m particularly fond of a record Billie cut for Verve in 1957, Songs For Distingue Lovers. She was surrounded by some brilliant players, Harry “Sweets” Edison’s mournful trumpet is the standout on the track below: Arlen and Mercer’sOne for My Baby (and One More for the Road) a classic torch/saloon song written for Fred Astaire but perfect for Billie. So, set ’em up, Joe:

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