Anita O'Day

Anita O'Day

2 books

About the Author

Anita O'Day was a legendary jazz vocalist whose life story is as captivating as her improvisational scat singing. Born in 1919 in Chicago, she rose from the gritty speakeasies of the Big Band era to become one of the most innovative and enduring voices in American music. Known for her bold, swinging style and unapologetic candor, O'Day navigated the highs of stardom with legends like Gene Krupa and Stan Kenton, and the lows of personal struggles with addiction and heartbreak. In her memoir High Times Hard Times (Limelight), she chronicles these experiences with raw honesty, offering an insider's view of jazz's golden age and her own resilient spirit. O'Day's legacy endures through her recordings and the timeless allure of her performances, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.

Writing style
candid vivid introspective

Books by Anita O'Day