Vocal genius Annie Ross dies aged 89
The British born singer was a jazz superstar in the late 1950’s and worked with countless household names
Last updated 22nd Jul 2020
Today, the jazz world is mourning the death of Annie Ross, the Scottish born singer who moved to America and became part of what became known as “the greatest jazz vocal group that ever was” - Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. One of the first integrated jazz groups, they broke through in the late 1950’s with fast, intricate lyrics and clever harmonies sung in the vocalese style. She was a talented arranger and songwriter too, working with Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, Joni Mitchell, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, Blossom Dearie, and countless more.
Ross also starred in a number of movies including ‘Short Cuts’ (as a jazz singer working her way back from drug addiction), ‘Throw Momma From The Train’, ‘Funny Money’, ‘Superman III’, and ‘Presenting Lily Mars’ opposite Judy Garland.
She died from emphysema and heart disease was 89 and the last surviving member of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross.
Tributes and memories on social media: