Vocalist
Rosemary Clooney's rise to fame in the '50s came on the strength of songs that in many instances were without question
novelty tunes; she's not a vocal improviser like
Carmen McRae,
Betty Carter, or
Sarah Vaughan. She is an excellent lyric interpreter, has fine timing, phrases skillfully and intelligently, and performs with the dramatic quality evident among all great singers. Her background and foundation are
jazz, even if her technique doesn't always adhere to rigid
jazz scrutiny.
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She joined the Columbia roster in 1950 and made several hits for them, among them "You're Just in Love," "Beautiful Brown Eyes," "Half As Much," "Hey There," the number one hit "Come on-A My House," and "If Teardrops Were Pennies."
Clooney had 13 Top 40 hits in the early '50s, among them duets with
Guy Mitchell and
Marlene Dietrich. The
rock revolution and a decision to spend more time with her family resulted in
Clooney going into semi-retirement. She returned in the late '70s, singing with renewed power and confidence while making
swing-influenced dates and combo sessions for Concord. She's maintained that relationship through the '80s and '90s, doing
standards, repertory albums, and demonstrating a resiliency and energy that validates her position among the fine
jazz-based vocalists in American music. ~ Ron Wynn & Bill Dahl, All Music Guide
