Customer Reviews

Kay Starr - Greatest Hits

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What a joy to be able to rediscover one of the 1950s most popular female singers: Kay Starr, the Native American singer who deftly handled emotional ballads as well as zippy pop songs and jazz. Fans of "emoting" singers like Barbra Streisand who've never heard or heard of Kay Starr will fall in love with her if they listen to even just a FEW of the tracks on this wonderful CD. Her versatility and artistry is a joy to behold. The first number is her famous rendition of Side By Side, where she does a duet with herself in a show-stopping arrangement that builds until the final joyous note. Then there's her innovative song Wheel of Fortune, which blended pop with country. In The Man Upstairs she does another faced-paced duet with herself. But you still can't pigeon-hole her talent since the lyrics, phrasing and arrangement of If You Love Me (Really Love Me) will haunt you for hours. So will It's The Talk of the Town. I've heard others sing this (and I have played it on the piano and sung it myself) but never have the sad lyrics of a jilted lover sounded so meaningful and compelling. Like brassy, rousing Big Band swing (with a late 50s, early 60s sound)? On A Slow Boat To China (outstanding) and Lazy River. Even a country song with Tennesee Ernie Ford. What's amazing is not only Starr's range and versatility but the way she extracts the meaning in every single lyric. There's raw emotion behind every word and note. In his superb book Music Hound Lounge, Steve Knopper writes that had Starr "not been a pop crooner who emulated Jo Stafford and Margaret Whiting, she might have made it as a clear-voiced blues belter." He notes that even when she sang standards she sang them "deep and warm, like a more debutante-ish Patsy Cline or a less-salacious Bessie Smith." The bottom line: she was innovative, versatile and daring in her song selection -- and had a "bring-the-house-down" style hard to find these days. This collection -- with generally great orchestral arrangements -- has some of her best.

One night, Jerry Scott, a pianist, played this song at Danny's on Restaurant Row. I had heard it before, and I even own the Edith Piaf recording of it, but I wanted to hear it as it was recorded in its time. I was impressed with Kay Starr's voice, and I was delighted with what I want to say was her "locution of love," but maybe to be more aptly serious I should say it was her pronounciation of the lyrics that was a treat. Don't they train singers to "sing" anymore? I recommend everyone buy this CD if only to hear what could arguably be described as the most romantic song ever recorded.

Kay Starr is one of the greatest female recording artists of all time. Her vocals are extraordinary!

It was nice being able to hear a few songs before purchase. Kay Starr was one of a kind and really knew how to emote!

If you were old enough to appreciate music on the radio in the 50s you might agree. For me listening to this CD evokes memories of that decade and I am surprised that I remember the words to the more familiar songs: Side by Side, Wheel of Fortune and If You Love Me (Really Love Me)
Kay Starr has a distinctive voice, very strong and earthy.

Kay Starr was a musical fixture in the early 1950's, and this album showcases her best work, and all the recordings are original and are excellent quality. If you buy only one Kay Starr CD, this should be it.