[Dixielandjazz] OT: Anita O'Day

[Swingbrew at aol.com]

Don't feel sad for Anita.  She wasn't.  I too am a huge fan of  hers.  She 
showed everyone that you could be white and be a real 1st class  jazz singer, 
blues and all.  I'll tell you 2 quick stories.
 
This first one appeared in the NY Times a few years ago.  The  Times sent an 
interviewer to the old age home she was living in LA.  When  the reporter 
showed up at the front door, she took him into the common room  where all the 
octogenarians were busy maintaining their consciousness while  waiting to die.  
She points to the reporter and announces to her  housemates, "Dig this, the New 
York Times".  Hip right up to the end.
 
The second story is from the early 40's.  Jimmy Maxwell was playing  lead 
trumpet with Goodman.  Anita came up to him one day and said, "Jim, if  you can 
get me on Benny's band, I'll give you the best head you ever got".   Jimmy 
looked at her sideways, and she quickly added, "Uh, better than last  time". 
 
There will never be another Anita.  God bless her.
 
DB