Christy, June (1925–1990)

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Christy, June (1925–1990)

American jazz singer. Name variations: Sharon Leslie; Misty Miss Christy. Born Shirley Luster, Nov 20, 1925, in Springfield, Illinois; died June 21, 1990, in Sherman Oaks, California; m. Bob Cooper (tenor saxist), 1946; children: 1.

One of the most talented female singers in jazz history, began singing with local bands at 13; worked with Boyd Raeburn and his Orchestra as Sharon Leslie; replacing Anita O'Day (1945), joined the Stan Kenton band and recorded "Tampico," a huge hit, followed by "Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy"; sang with Kenton until 1948, returning off and on; went solo and recorded numerous albums for Capitol (1950s), including Something Cool (1953), The Misty Miss Christy (1956), Fair and Warmer (1957), The Song is June (1958) and Off Beat (1960); singles include "My Heart Belongs to Only You"; semi-retired (1960s); made last album Impromptu (1977).