Velma Middleton | |
|---|---|
 Photo by Ralph F. Seghers | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Velma Middleton (1917-09-01)September 1, 1917 Holdenville, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | February 10, 1961(1961-02-10) (aged 43) |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 1930s–1961 |
| Formerly of | Louis Armstrong |
Velma Middleton (September 1, 1917 – February 10, 1961)[1] was an Americanjazz vocalist and entertainer who sang withLouis Armstrong'sbig bands and small groups from 1942 until her death.
Middleton was born inHoldenville, Oklahoma,[1] and moved with her parents toSt. Louis, Missouri. She started her career as achorus girl and dancer and throughout her career performed acrobatic splits on stage.[2][3] After working as a solo performer, and singing with Connie McLean and his Rhythm Orchestra on a tour ofSouth America, she joined Armstrong's big band in 1942, and appeared with him insoundies.[4]
When Armstrong's orchestra disbanded in 1947, Middleton joined his All-Stars, a smaller group. She was often used for comic relief, such as for duets with Armstrong on "That's My Desire" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside", and she did occasional features. She also recorded eight tracks as a solo singer forDootone Records in 1948 and 1951. Although she was not widely praised for her voice, described by criticScott Yanow as "average but reasonably pleasing and good-humored",[4] Armstrong regarded her as an important and integral part of his show.[4]
Middleton performed on June 7, 1953, withLouis Armstrong and his All Stars for the famed ninthCavalcade of Jazz concert held atWrigley Field in Los Angeles which was produced byLeon Hefflin, Sr. Also featured that day wereDon Tosti and His Mexican Jazzmen,Roy Brown and his Orchestra,Shorty Rogers,Earl Bostic, andNat "King" Cole.[5]
While touring with Armstrong inSierra Leone in January 1961, Middleton suffered a stroke,[6] and died the following month in a hospital inFreetown.[1]
MusicianBarney Bigard was critical of Armstrong as well as managerJoe Glaser for refusing, after Middleton took ill, to arrange her transfer to a country with better health facilities.[6]
