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Pianists · 1934–2005

Shirley Horn

American singer (1934–2005)

Born: 1 May 1934
Washington, D.C.
Died: 20 October 2005
Cheverly
Country: United States
Active: 1959–2005
Record labels: Verve Records, Mercury Records, Bell Records
Discography: 21 albums

Biography

Shirley Horn was a jazz musician who played piano and voice. Shirley Horn was born on 1 May 1934 in Washington, D.C. and died on 20 October 2005 in Cheverly. The music is usually filed under jazz. Record labels: Verve Records, Mercury Records and Bell Records. The discography here lists 21 albums, from “Embers and Ashes” (1960) to “Great Women of Song: Shirley Horn” (2024). Honours include NEA Jazz Masters.

Shirley Valerie Horn (May 1, 1934 – October 20, 2005) was an American jazz singer and pianist. She collaborated with many jazz musicians including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Toots Thielemans, Ron Carter, Carmen McRae, Wynton Marsalis and others. She was most noted for her ability to accompany herself with nearly incomparable independence and ability on the piano while singing, something described by arranger Johnny Mandel as "like having two heads", and for her rich, lush voice, a smoky contralto, which was described by noted producer and arranger Quincy Jones as "like clothing, as she seduces you with her voice".

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Discography

Studio and live albums

Embers and Ashes 1960

Loads of Love 1963

Shirley Horn With Horns 1963

Travelin’ Light 1965

Where Are You Going 1972

I Thought About You: Live at Vine Street 1987 · Live

Softly 1988

Close Enough for Love 1989

You Won’t Forget Me 1991

Here’s to Life 1992

Light Out of Darkness 1993

I Love You, Paris 1994 · Live

The Main Ingredient 1996

Loving You 1997

I Remember Miles 1998

Jazz 'Round Midnight 1998

You’re My Thrill 2001

May the Music Never End 2003

Live at the 1994 Monterey Jazz Festival 2008 · Live

Live at the 4 Queens 2016 · Live

Great Women of Song: Shirley Horn 2024

Awards

NEA Jazz Masters

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Frequently asked questions

What instrument did Shirley Horn play?

Shirley Horn is known for playing piano and voice.

When and where was Shirley Horn born?

Shirley Horn was born 1 May 1934 in Washington, D.C..

What are Shirley Horn's best-known albums?

Albums in our database include Embers and Ashes (1960), Loads of Love (1963), Shirley Horn With Horns (1963), Travelin’ Light (1965) and Where Are You Going (1972).

External links

Data compiled from open sources; see the source links below. Spotted an error? Let us know.