Sarah Vaughan: Facts, Legacy & Spouses - Unveiling Sassy's Life!

Arda

Could a voice, capable of spanning octaves and genres with effortless grace, truly be the voice of a generation? Sarah Vaughan, also known as "Sassy" and "The Divine One," proved, without a shadow of a doubt, that the answer is a resounding yes.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1924, Vaughan's musical journey began in the vibrant crucible of the 1940s, where she quickly embraced the burgeoning sounds of bebop. Over the subsequent decades, she didn't just sing; she redefined what it meant to be a vocalist. Her power, range, and flexibility were unparalleled, making her a true icon of jazz and beyond.

Category Details
Full Name Sarah Lois Vaughan
Nicknames Sassy, The Divine One, The Velvet Fox
Birthdate March 27, 1924
Birthplace Newark, New Jersey
Death Date April 3, 1990 (Age 66)
Place of Death Los Angeles, California
Cause of Death Lung Cancer
Height 5'3" (1.6002 m)
Occupations Jazz Singer, Traditional Pop Singer, Bossa Nova Singer
Musical Genres Jazz, Pop, Bossa Nova
Education East Side High School, Newark Arts High School
Notable Albums "Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown," "Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin," "Swingin' Easy"
Collaborations Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Hugo Winterhalter and Orchestra, Joe Leahy, Richard Maltby
Marriages Married four times and divorced four times
Children Adopted daughter (survived her)
Awards Two Grammy Awards (including Lifetime Achievement Award) and Nine Grammy Nominations
Final Concert Blue Note Club, New York (1989)
Family Parents: Asbury (carpenter), Ada Lee (Baylor) Vaughan (Laundress).
Other Interests Before fame, she spent 15 years as a journalist, including 11 years as a political correspondent at The Guardian.
Reference Britannica - Sarah Vaughan

Vaughan's ascent to musical stardom was not an overnight phenomenon. It was the culmination of years dedicated to honing her craft, first taking eight years of piano lessons and two years of organ. She began singing in the choir at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Newark, which served as an early foundation for her vocal prowess.

The 1940s were a fertile ground for jazz, and Vaughan's voice, with its exceptional range and control, quickly resonated within the bebop scene. She collaborated with many of the most important names in the genre, including Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis. These collaborations further cemented her status as a musical powerhouse.

Her discography is a testament to her versatility. Albums like "Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown," a collaboration that showcased her vocal dexterity alongside Brown's trumpet, and "Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin," where she masterfully interpreted the classics, remain critically acclaimed. "Swingin' Easy" highlighted her ability to effortlessly navigate the intricacies of swing, solidifying her versatility.

By the end of the 1940s, Vaughan was releasing albums under her own name with Columbia Records. A turning point arrived when she married trumpet player George Treadwell, who soon became her manager. Treadwell understood the magnitude of her talent and organized a busy schedule of recording sessions and tours, boosting her career into the next decade.

Beyond her vocal abilities, Vaughan possessed a unique presence. She was often referred to as "Sassy" or "The Divine One," and her stage presence was as captivating as her voice. She could command attention with a single look, and her "stony stare," as she called it, was legendary. She would use it when somebody was "really dragging me," she once said, usually someone who called her "Sarah" instead of "Miss Vaughan" or "Mrs."

Vaughan's final concert took place at the Blue Note Club in New York City in 1989, a fitting end to a career filled with iconic performances. Her impact on music, however, continues to be felt. She died of lung cancer in Los Angeles, California, on April 3, 1990, leaving behind an adopted daughter who survived her and a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Her contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, one being a Lifetime Achievement Award. In total, she was nominated for nine Grammy Awards, demonstrating the high regard in which she was held by her peers and the industry.

Vaughan's influence transcends mere musical talent. She left an indelible mark on the world of music and continues to be revered as one of the most influential and celebrated vocalists of all time. Years after her passing, her legacy lives on, carefully preserved by her family, kids, and grandchildren.

Adding to her intriguing background, Sarah Vaughan was born to Asbury and Ada Lee (Baylor) Vaughan in Newark, New Jersey, on March 27, 1924. Her parents, in addition to their regular jobs Asbury as a carpenter and Ada as a laundress were also musicians, exposing Sarah to music from an early age. Her deep connection to her roots and church, where she sang in the choir, likely contributed to her distinctive vocal style and deep connection to music.

Sarah Vaughan was married four times, divorcing each time. Despite these personal challenges, she maintained a professional focus and continued to deliver memorable performances. The evolution of her career reflects her enduring dedication to music and her resilience as a performer.

Her voice and talent were truly special. The fact that she could collaborate with such giants in the music industry and create such a lasting impact shows how versatile she was. Today, her fans and those passionate about music will recognize Sarah Vaughan's remarkable talent and contribution to the world of music.

The legacy of Sarah Vaughan, Sassy or The Divine One lives on, inspiring musicians, and delighting listeners. Her contributions to music are still being studied and appreciated in the music world.

Joe Louis Kisses Sarah Vaughan On Her 27th Birthday Jet … Flickr
Joe Louis Kisses Sarah Vaughan On Her 27th Birthday Jet … Flickr
Picture of Sarah Vaughan
Picture of Sarah Vaughan
Picture of Sarah Vaughan
Picture of Sarah Vaughan

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