Marilyn Maye McLaughlin was born in Wichita, KS, but would begin her singing career in Topeka as child performer in local talent shows. After her parent's divorced, she spent some time in Des Moines, Iowa, gaining some attention as teen on radio. She would later move to Chicago, but quickly come back home to Kansas City.
Performing throughout the Midwest she was discovered by the first show of the Tonight Show, Steve Allen. The relationship landed her a recording contract with RCA and in her prime, she was somewhat of a regular on the Tonight Show appearing 76 times.
This album is typical of her jazz vocal style that is heavily laced with pop. She's no June Christy or even Julie London. Rather, she's far more routed in the theater and cabaret traditions than jazz. She's got a clear, brassy voice, that's suited for the grandiose arrangements that usually surround her. There's some fun moments on this LP, which represents her early work, "Java" is pretty goofy, "Sherry!" is surprisingly quirky, and her cover of "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin" works well.
Marilyn Maye - Java
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