Chris Connor

Chris Connor was born Mary Loutsenhizer on November 8, 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri. Her first professional singing job was with the University of Missouri college band.

In 1948, Connor moved to New York City. She successfully auditioned for Claude Thornhill's Snowflakes and toured around the United States. She stayed with the group until March 1952.

In February 1953 Chris auditioned for Stan Kenton's Band and began touring with them. She recorded "All About Ronnie" which became her signature song. By the fall of 1953 she had left Kenton and was back in New York City pursuing a solo career. She signed with Bethlehem Records.

When time came for her contract to expire, Chris signed a deal with Atlantic Records. She was with Atlantic from 1956 to 1962. She spent the remainder of the 1960's and 1970's recording for various labels. Her final recording session was in May 2002.

Chris Connor died from cancer on August 29, 2009 at the age of 81.

Earlier this afternoon I listened to the album "Chris in Person" on Atlantic. This is a live session at the Village Vanguard on September 13, 1959. Chris is accompanied by Kenny Burrell on guitar, Bill Rubenstein on piano, Eddie DeHaas on bass, and Lex Humphries on drums.

The tunes include "Strike Up the Band," "Misty," "Senor Blues," "Angel Eyes," " Round Midnight," "All About Ronnie," "Don't Worry About Me," and "Chinatown My Chinatown," among others

Here's a video of Chris in Osaka 1992 singing "Angel Eyes."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=-apn0N0wS1I