Carmen Mercedes McRae was born in Harlem and began studying piano at the age of 8. As a teenager she met Billie Holiday, and by her twenties was performing in Minton’s playing piano and singing. After working with Count Basie and marrying drummer Kenny Clarke, she moved to Chicago, where she developed her singular style. In 1954 she embarked on a recording career that would last more than 35 years, winning many awards, and working with greats like Dave Brubeck, Louis Armstrong, Noel Coward and Betty Carter. She passed away at her home in Los Angeles aged 74.
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