My Take
Anita O'Day is one of those singers who completely rewired what I thought a jazz vocalist could be. Growing up in Chicago and cutting her teeth on the hard-knock marathon dance circuit, she developed a rhythmic instincts and a cool, detached swing that set her apart from the lush, romantic delivery most singers leaned on. She wasn't just keeping time — she was playing her voice like an instrument, slotting in and out of the changes the way a horn player would. Her 1958 Newport Jazz Festival performance, captured in the film Jazz on a Summer's Day, remains one of the most thrillingly composed live vocal moments ever put to film. She battled serious personal demons throughout her life and still made it to 87, outlasting so many contemporaries. An NEA Jazz Master and a genuine original — there really was nobody else quite like her.
Overview
Anita O'Day (born Anita Belle Colton; October 18, 1919 – November 23, 2006) was an American singer known for her work in the jazz genre. She was considered an influential jazz vocalist for her ability to keep up with fast-tempo arrangements and for her characteristic vocal delivery. Her music has been acclaimed by critics and writers.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Anita O'Day
- Name (Japanese)
- アニタ・オデイ
- Reading
- あにた・おでい
- Born
- October 18, 1919 – November 23, 2006
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Libra / Goat
- Origin
- Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- singer / jazz musician / jazz singer / musician
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Senn High School
- University
- Private
Awards & achievements
- NEA Jazz Masters
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-02
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.