Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross: The Birth of Vocalese

In the midst of the 1950's bop era, Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, and Annie Ross, all jazz vocalists, formed a vocalese trio . In vocalese, very accomplished singers fit lyrics to a jazz instrumental song, and might even memorize and sing notable solos from popular recordings. Their first album, Sing a Song for Basie, covered some of Count Basie's music based strongly upon the Kansas City jazz style. This was in 1957, and they continued to record until 1962. In 1966, Dave Lambert was killed in a car accident, and two years before, Annie Ross left the band. Some of their best known works are "Cloudburst" and "Shiny Stockings." Jon Hendricks undoubtedly became the most popular out of the three singers. After serving in World War II, Hendricks moved from Toledo, where he sang with Art Tatum as a teenager, to New York City and worked with Charlie Parker. After he married and had a family, he moved to London so his kids could get a better education. Al Jarreau has called him "pound for pound, the best jazz vocalist...ever." In 1985, he was best known for his part in The Manhattan Transfer release "Vocalese" and continues touring and writing to this day at age 88.