Carpenter, Thelma (1922–1997)

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Carpenter, Thelma (1922–1997)

African-American jazz singer and actress. Born Jan 15, 1922, in Brooklyn, NY; died May 14, 1997, in New York, NY.

Began performing at an early age; joined Count Basie (1939), with whom she produced her most memorable recordings, then worked with Teddy Wilson's orchestra; made Broadway debut in Memphis Bound (1944), followed by Inside USA, Shuffle Along, Ankles Aweigh, Bubbling Brown Sugar, and as Pearl Bailey's replacement in Hello Dolly!; films include Hellzapoppin, The Wiz and The Cotton Club; also recorded with Herman Chittison; albums include "Souvenir" (1998).

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Carpenter, Thelma (1922–1997)

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