Carol Sloane was a smooth-as-satin jazz vocalist whose career spanned over six decades, charming listeners with her warm, intimate phrasing and deep connection to the Great American Songbook. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1937, she broke into the jazz scene after a standout performance at the 1961 Newport Jazz Festival, earning comparisons to legends like Ella Fitzgerald. Though she navigated the unpredictable tides of the music industry—scoring a record deal, stepping in for an ailing Peggy Lee, and even briefly leaving music in the ’70s—Sloane’s passion for storytelling through song never wavered.
Her later work, including releases like *Live at Birdland* and *Dearest Duke*, showcased her lifelong love for Duke Ellington’s compositions and live-performance magic. Albums such as *Whisper Sweet* and *Ballad Essentials* highlighted her gift for turning standards into heartfelt conversations, while her collaborations with pianist Kenny Barron and bassist Rufus Reid kept her sound fresh yet timeless. A favorite among jazz purists, Sloane remained a beacon of elegance and authenticity in every note until her passing in 2023, leaving a legacy as rich as her velvety contralto.
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