Mark Murphy

Mark Murphy was a highly influential American jazz singer known for his innovative vocal improvisations and eclectic style. Born on March 14, 1932, in Syracuse, New York, Murphy grew up in a musical family and began piano lessons at age seven. He was heavily influenced by jazz legends such as Nat "King" Cole, Peggy Lee, and Ella Fitzgerald. Throughout his career, Murphy recorded over 50 albums, including notable works like *Midnight Mood* and *Stolen Moments*. He was a four-time winner of the *Down Beat* magazine readers' poll for Best Male Vocalist and was nominated for several Grammy Awards. Murphy's repertoire spanned American Songbook standards, jazz classics, and Brazilian bossa nova, often incorporating stream-of-consciousness improvisation and vocalese. He passed away on October 22, 2015.

Murphy's career took him to various cities, including New York, Los Angeles, London, and San Francisco. He was particularly popular in London, where he frequently performed at Ronnie Scott's Club and appeared on BBC Radio. His work with the Muse label from 1973 to 1991 produced some of his most acclaimed albums, such as *Bop for Kerouac* and *Nat's Choice*. Murphy's unique style and influence have been praised by fellow jazz singers, including Kurt Elling, who credits Murphy as a significant inspiration. Despite not achieving mainstream fame, Murphy remained a beloved figure among jazz aficionados throughout his life.

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