Biography of june christie today

The voice of singer June Christy took the jazz world by storm in the late s.

June Christy (born Shirley Luster; November 20, – June 21, ) was an American singer, known for her work in the cool jazz genre and for her silky smooth vocals.

Few vocalists were as well-blended with their band as was Christy, who even beyond her time with Kenton was guided by the style he championed. Jazz fans adored her, but she confused the average listener and thus never managed the same level of success as did other more mainstream vocalists such as Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald. Born in Springfield, Illinois, Christy grew up in nearby Decatur, landing her first professional singing job at age 13 with a local band led by Bill Oetzel.

Unfortunately, according to Christy, she came down with scarlet fever, and the band headed east without her. Christy struggled to find work over the next year. She briefly sang with Benny Strong and took whatever club dates came her way, including a stint at Ye Olde Cellar with Nicky Bliss and his combo. According to Christy in a interview, she ran into Kenton by chance at the local offices of his management company, and after listening to her test records he hired her on the spot.

People either liked her or were bewildered by her. She might receive an enthusiastic reception at one location but just polite applause at another, depending on the audience. Christy was also often criticized for singing out of tune. In late , the label signed her for more, and that December she announced her departure from Kenton.

June Christy was an American singer, known for her work in the cool jazz genre and for her silky-smooth vocals.

She hesitated, however, and changed her mind before the end of the month. Part of the reason might also have been her romance with Kenton sax player Bob Cooper. The couple married the following month, January In April , Kenton suddenly disbanded due to physical and mental exhaustion, leaving Christy with little choice but to try her luck solo.

Gastel quickly lined up work for Christy, who made her first appearance as a single at Bocage in Hollywood that May.