Mavis Rivers

Mavis Rivers was a jazz and pop singer originally from Western Samoa (now Samoa) who found success in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Known for her smooth, warm voice and impeccable phrasing, Rivers recorded for notable labels like Capitol Records and Reprise, earning critical acclaim for her sophisticated interpretations of standards and contemporary songs alike. She was one of the first Polynesian artists to gain international recognition in jazz and pop music.

Rivers worked with a long list of respected arrangers and musicians, including Nelson Riddle and Frank Sinatra’s Reprise label, and she opened for major acts in Las Vegas during the height of her career. Her recordings—such as “Take a Number” and “Hooray for Love”—showcase her range, charisma, and deep musicality. Though not always widely known today, Mavis Rivers remains a cherished voice among jazz aficionados and collectors of classic vocal recordings.

Genres