Dorothy Jean Dandridge (November 9, 1922 – September 8, 1965) was an American actress, singer and dancer. She is the first African-American film star to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, which was for her performance in Carmen Jones (1954). Dandridge performed as a vocalist in venues such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. During her early career, she performed as a part of The Wonder Children, later The Dandridge Sisters, and appeared in a succession of films, usually in uncredited roles.
In 1959, Dandridge was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Porgy and Bess. She is the subject of the 1999 HBO biographical film, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. She has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Dandridge first gained fame as a solo artist from her performances in nightclubs, usually accompanied by Phil Moore on piano. Although she was known for her renditions of songs such as "Blow Out the Candle", "You Do Something to Me", and "Talk Sweet Talk To Me", she recorded very little on vinyl. It is unknown whether her lack of recording was due to personal choice or lack of opportunity.
This release is her only recording session as a leader and features an augmented Oscar Peterson Trio. Most tracks were from this 1958 session with 4 tracks recorded in 1961 with an orchestra.
It's Easy To Remember 2:24
What Is There To Say? 3:11
That Old Feeling 3:05
The Touch Of Your Lips 2:58
When Your Lover Has Gone 2:59
The Nearness Of You 3:17
(In This World) I'm Glad There Is You 4:02
I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face 1:48
Body And Soul 3:38
How Long Has This Been Going On? 3:30
I've Got A Crush On You 2:28
I Didn't Know What Time It Was 2:37
Somebody 2:48
Stay With It 2:35
It's A Beautiful Evening 2:38
Smooth Operator 3:06
