Sarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan performs a wondrous version of “Misty”

Erroll Garner’s “Misty,” because of its wide intervals, is difficult for most vocalists to sing without simplifying its melody.

But not for Sarah Vaughan, whose voice was one of the wonders of the 20th century.

This performance from Tokyo in the mid-1980s is quite remarkable.

Listen to Sassy’s long note after the first eight bars, the low notes she hits near the end, her dazzling range, and the sound of her voice in general..

There was only one Sarah Vaughan.

Personnel:

Sarah Vaughan, vocals
Frank Collett, piano
Bob Maize, bass
Harold Jones, drums

– Scott Yanow