In The Wall Street Journal this week, I interviewed Bettye LaVette for my "House Call" column in the Mansion section (go here). Bettye is a deep, souful singer who began recording at 16, in 1962. She talked about growing up in Detroit, the jukebox in her parents' living room and her biggest mistake—breaking with Atlantic records after her first hit single. Her new album, Blackbirds (Verve), is terrific.
Here's Save Your Love for Me...
And for your lockdown weekend pleasure, here are three documentaries on favorite vocalists:
Here's Dinah Washington: Evil Gal Blues...
Here's The Julie London Story: The Lady's Not a Vamp...
And here's a Billie Holiday documentary...