34 Facts About Helen Humes

Helen Humes's father was one of the first Black attorneys in her hometown, and her mother was a schoolteacher.

Helen Humes was introduced to music in the church, singing in the choir and getting piano and organ lessons given at Sunday school by Bessie Allen, who taught music to any child who wanted to learn.

Helen Humes began occasionally playing the piano in a small and locally traveling dance band, the Dandies.

Helen Humes' career began with her first vocal performance at an amateur contest in 1926, singing "When You're a Long, Long Way from Home" and "I'm in Love with You, That's Why".

Helen Humes's talents were noticed by a guitarist in the band, Sylvester Weaver, who recorded for Okeh Records and recommended her to the talent scout and producer Tommy Rockwell.

At the age of 14, Helen Humes recorded in St Louis in April 1927, singing four blues songs, though only two of the sides were ever issued.

Helen Humes stayed home for a while, eventually leaving to visit friends in Buffalo, New York.

Helen Humes stayed in Buffalo, singing with a small group led by Al Sears.

Helen Humes wanted her to sing at Cincinnati's Cotton Club.

Helen Humes moved to Cincinnati in 1936 and sang with Sears's band again at the Cotton Club.

Helen Humes asked her to join his touring band to replace Billie Holiday.

In March 1938, Hammond persuaded Helen Humes to join Count Basie's Orchestra, where she stayed for four years.

On December 24,1939, Humes performed with the Count Basie Orchestra, and James P Johnson, at the second From Spirituals to Swing concert at Carnegie Hall, produced by John Hammond.

Helen Humes performed frequently there, accompanied by the pianists Teddy Wilson and Art Tatum.

In 1944, Helen Humes moved to Los Angeles, California, where she recorded and contributed to movie soundtracks.

Helen Humes appeared in the musical film Jivin' in Be-Bop, by Dizzy Gillespie.

Helen Humes performed and toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic for five seasons.

Dixon's version was released after Helen Humes who popularized the tune.

Helen Humes bridged the gap between big-band swing jazz and rhythm and blues.

In 1956, Helen Humes toured Australia with the vibraphonist Red Norvo.

Helen Humes performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1959 and the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1960 and 1962.

Helen Humes toured Europe with the first American Folk Blues Festival in 1962.

Helen Humes returned to the United States in 1967 to take care of her ailing mother.

At this point Helen Humes viewed her singing career as a part of her past.

Helen Humes took a job at a local ammunition plant, sold her record player and her records and stopped singing.

Helen Humes sang regularly at the Cookery in New York City from 1974 to 1977.

Helen Humes subsequently performed occasionally in America and at European venues and festivals, including the prestigious Nice Jazz Festival in the mid-1970s.

Helen Humes recorded her final album, Helen, for Muse Records in 1980.

Helen Humes received the Music Industry of France Award in 1973 and the key to the city of Louisville in 1975.

Helen Humes died of cancer in Santa Monica, California, on September 13,1981, at the age of 68.

Helen Humes's family requested donations for cancer research instead of flowers at her funeral.

Helen Humes is buried at the Inglewood Park Cemetery, in Inglewood, California.

Helen Humes was compared to Ethel Waters and Mildred Bailey from early in her career and was often recorded singing the blues after her association with Basie.

The review of Helen Humes Comes Back was not as positive but did not fault the singer:.