Miss Horne is one of the greatest singers of 20th Century Standards. She ranks up with Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Anyone who loves the jazz-influenced style of songwriting that flourished from 1905-1970 who does not think that her range of performances of "Stormy Weather" is as great an artistic achievement as any in popular culture is an idiot.
Unhappily, by the time Miss Horne starred in this TV special, her voice was giving way to old age. Her phrasing is perfect; the emotional content is impeccable -- I've never heard Cole Porter's "One of Those Things" sung with such anger -- but her voice in her 70s was no match for her voice fifty years before.
Miss Horne is ably backed up by the Ellington Band, but that is no reason to see this. There are many records of Miss Horne available, on film, disk and tape from her prime. Appreciate her as she should be and for so long was.
Unhappily, by the time Miss Horne starred in this TV special, her voice was giving way to old age. Her phrasing is perfect; the emotional content is impeccable -- I've never heard Cole Porter's "One of Those Things" sung with such anger -- but her voice in her 70s was no match for her voice fifty years before.
Miss Horne is ably backed up by the Ellington Band, but that is no reason to see this. There are many records of Miss Horne available, on film, disk and tape from her prime. Appreciate her as she should be and for so long was.
