Blossom Dearie, b.1924, was named Blossom after the pear blossoms her brothers picked and decorated their house with to celebrate her birth. By the age of two Dearie was able to pick up songs on the family piano at their home in New York. Her mother remarked that, unlike most children who would bang at the keys when in front of a piano, Blossom thoughtfully played songs from ear and memory. Debussy’s Afternoon of the Faun was a favorite.

Dearie studied classical music, but switched to jazz and moved to Manhattan after high school. She became a regular in the club scene in New York in the 1940s, singing with Alvino Rey’s Blue Reys and Woody Herman’s Blue Flames, as well as headlining. After meeting Nicole and Eddie Barclay in New York, the Barclays encouraged Dearie to go to Paris. She released her first album soon after.

Many albums later, Dearie’s collaborations also continued to grow. She shared a bill with Miles Davis. John Lennon and Dearie wrote songs for one other, and shared much respect for each other. Dearie also began performing in concert halls, taking Carnegie Hall in 1973. She also recorded for School House Rock: “Unpack Your Adjectives”, “Mother Necessity”, and “Figure Eight”, whose album was nominated for a Grammy.

In the 70s Blossom became the first woman to own a successful independent record label in the United States with the creation of Daffodil Records. Dearie wrote whole albums of her own music. She commanded audiences, able to get crowds to settle down and to truly listen. Her sweet, warm and light voice was always paired with strong wit and conviction. Dearie did not suffer fools, exemplified by “I’m Hip,” along with many other songs.

Join Gift of Jazz and Muse in celebrating the powerful force that was Blossom Dearie, presented by vocalist Dawn Clement.

Tickets HERE