Dakota Staton

Here is a great song performed by the fantastic Dakota Staton (1930-2007).
Born in Homewood, near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Dakota Staton was a soulful jazz singer with a unique style, husky tone and powerful voice, a living legend. It was while singing in a Harlem nightclub called The Baby Grand that Capitol Records producer Dave Cavanaugh discovered Staton and signed her to the label. After several singles Staton attracted the attention of DownBeat magazine, winning the magazine's high profile "Most Promising Newcomer Award" in 1955. In the late 1950s she rose rapidly in popularity due to some fine swinging vocals on her first full length Capitol Records LP in 1957. The title track of this release turned out to be her biggest all time hit: The late, late show. Following on the heels of that song was a superb outing with the George Shearing Quintet called In the night, also in 1957. Her next date called Dynamic, recorded the following year, further helped launch her meteoric rise to near the top of the female mainstream jazz vocalist category. Later in her career Staton's styling showed more of a heavier, blues and gospel influence. Since 1965, she has toured Europe, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, South America and China. She's appeared at Carnegie Hall, Riviera and Le Bistro in St. Louis, Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood Bowl, and Lionel Hampton Club in Paris. Critic Leonard Feather, in the late 1950's, called Dakota Staton "a dynamic song stylist recalling at times elements of Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan".
Enjoy her dynamic rendition and enjoy!

A foggy day in London town

Here is a small concert given in Paris in 1965.