Singer, composer, pianist, and actress Carmen Mercedes McRae was born April 8, 1920 in Harlem, New York.

She began piano studies at 8 and her Costa Rican father and Jamaican mother filled their home with the sound of jazz records.

As a teenager she met Billie Holiday, caught the ear of Teddy Wilson and found her
way to the piano stool at Minton’s Playhouse.

Her rich career spanned more than fifty years.

Written by Cole Porter for the 1931 musical “The New Yorkers”, “Love for Sale”. It would later be covered by Eartha Kitt, Cannonball Adderley, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Billie Holiday.

Recorded: Jazz Casual, 1962

Personnel:

Carmen McRae, vocals
Norman Simmons, piano
Victor Sproles, bass
Walter Perkins, drums