Sarah Vaughan's Husbands & Family: From "Sassy" To Her Legacy
Could the voice of "Sassy" ever truly fade? Sarah Vaughan, a name synonymous with jazz royalty, continues to resonate, her legacy echoing through generations, a testament to a talent that transcended mere notes and chords.
Born on March 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, Sarah Lois Vaughan, known to the world as "Sassy" and "The Divine One," was more than just a singer; she was an innovator, an interpreter, and a force of nature. Her voice, a rich tapestry of tones spanning an extraordinary range, possessed an inherent musicality that allowed her to effortlessly weave intricate improvisations, captivating audiences worldwide. Her impact on the world of music, including winning two Grammy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), and being nominated for a total of nine Grammy Awards, is undeniable.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Lois Vaughan |
| Nickname(s) | Sassy, The Divine One, The Velvet Fox |
| Birthdate | March 27, 1924 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, USA |
| Death Date | April 3, 1990 (aged 66) |
| Death Place | Hidden Hills, California, USA |
| Profession | Jazz Vocalist and Pianist |
| Height | 5'3" (1.60 m) |
| Marriages | George Treadwell, Clyde Atkins, Marshall Fisher (though not legally married), Waymon Reed |
| Children | Deborah Lois "Paris" Atkins (adopted) |
| Notable Albums | "Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown", "In the Land of Hi-Fi", "After Hours" |
| Awards | Two Grammy Awards (including Lifetime Achievement Award) |
| Associated with | Bebop Jazz, Columbia Records, Count Basie Band (Waymon Reed) |
| Final Concert | Blue Note Club, New York (1989) |
Vaughan's musical journey began early, developing her extraordinary vocal talents at the tender age of seven, singing in the choir of the Mount Zion Baptist Church in New Jersey. This early exposure to gospel music laid the foundation for her future explorations of jazz, bebop, and beyond. She came up in the '40s, alongside bebop, a new jazz style she instantly took to. Her life began with a devastating, unutterable resentment of being dark skinned and unattractive. "I imagined people that color were regarded more highly than i."
In the bustling heart of New York City, during an extended engagement at Cafe Society downtown, Vaughan crossed paths with George Treadwell, a trumpet player who would later become her first husband. This marked the beginning of a personal and professional partnership that helped shape her burgeoning career. In 1947, Sarah Vaughan signed with Columbia Records, a pivotal moment that propelled her into the national spotlight.
Her second husband, Clyde Atkins, married her in 1958. However, the road of her love life wasn't always smooth; there were ups and downs in their marriage, including domestic violence, ultimately leading to divorce in November 1963. Later, in 1961, Sarah and Clyde adopted a daughter, Deborah Lois Atkins, who would become known as Paris Vaughan in the music industry.
Though often referred to as her husband, Marshall Fisher never legally married Vaughan, a reality that highlights the complexities of her personal life. Later, she found love in 1979, marrying trumpeter Waymon Reed, a relationship that brought her new experiences.
Vaughan's vocal prowess wasn't just about technical skill; it was about conveying raw emotion. Her ability to bend and shape notes, to explore the nuances of phrasing, and to improvise with fearless creativity set her apart. The power, range, and flexibility of her voice made Sarah Vaughan, known as Sassy or The Divine One, one of the great singers in jazz.
Her artistry was recognized with numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards. Her legacy continues to be preserved by her kids and grandchildren.
Vaughan's final concert took place at New York's Blue Note Club in 1989, a poignant farewell to a career that spanned decades. She died of lung cancer in Hidden Hills, California, in 1990 at the age of 66. Her adopted daughter survived her.
Beyond the music, Vaughan was also a woman of style and presence. Her stage persona was as captivating as her voice, and she developed her stony stare to perfection, using it with pointed effect. She was known for her wit and her ability to command attention. "Usually, its somebody who walks up to me and calls me Sarah. They dont know me, and they should say Miss Vaughan, or Mrs."
Vaughan's influence can be heard in countless vocalists who followed in her footsteps. She was a pioneer, a trendsetter, and a true artist. Her music continues to resonate with audiences, young and old, ensuring that "The Divine One" will never be forgotten.
The release of "Sass and Brass" in 1986, recorded in New Orleans with Dizzy Gillespie and Maynard Ferguson as guests, showcased her versatility and continued her long-held dedication to jazz. That same year, she was featured on a program televised nationally on Independence Day. The video "Sarah Vaughan Live from Monterey" was taped in 1983 or 1984, showcasing her trio along with guest soloists, highlighting another facet of her remarkable career.
The impact of Sarah Vaughan extends beyond the realm of music. She paved the way for other artists from this genre, demonstrating that a woman could excel and thrive in the male-dominated world of jazz. As a member of the following lists: Emmy award winners, American contraltos, and American women singers. She was a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and unwavering self-belief.
The financial aspects of her life sometimes revealed less glamour. In 1958, after years of success, when Sarah Vaughan filed for divorce against George Treadwell, the money between them added up to only $16,000, which they divided up equally. This further reflects the often challenging financial landscape for artists during her era.
Even as the spotlight dimmed, her voice lived on. Concord reissued the set on CD with a previously unissued session conducted by Benny Carter, reminding listeners of her timeless quality.
Sarah Vaughans novel, "Anatomy of a Scandal", is a psychological thriller exploring power, privilege, and misogyny, and incorporating police investigations and criminal trials. The story of James, the husband of a woman named Sophie, reveals her ability to captivate audiences with her writing, making people think which side is telling the truth, getting furious at husband who cannot keep in his pants, feeling sorry and also angry at wife who still stands by her husband for the sake of their family and you want to know the truth.
Her adopted daughter, Deborah Lois "Paris" Atkins, has been a source of support, keeping her legacy alive. The legacy of Sarah Vaughan isn't just in the songs she sang, it's in the impact she had on those who loved her, those who were inspired by her, and those who carry on her spirit.
From the intimate settings of New York Citys Cafe Society to the grand stages of international concert halls, Sarah Vaughan left an indelible mark. She was a complex figure, embodying both the grit of a survivor and the grace of an artist.
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