Chris Connor was among the most popular '50s vocalists, famous for altering rhythms on ballads, using little vibrato except on special occasions, and a husky, lush sound. Connor studied clarinet for eight years as a child, then began singing in her late teens. She was the vocalist with a large band at the University of Missouri led by Bob Brookmeyer modeled after the Kenton band. After working with a group in Kansas City, Connor moved to New York in 1949. She sang with Claude Thornhill, Herbie Fields and Thornhill again in the early '50s, performing with Thornhill's vocal group the Snowflakes. She sang with Jerry Wald and then during 1952-53 was with Stan Kenton, recording her most famous performance "All About Ronnie." Connor went solo in 1953 and was with Bethlehem for two years. She moved to Atlantic, and enjoyed success, having two chart singles in the late '50s. They were the songs "Trust In Me" and the title cut from the album "I Miss You So." Connor switched to ABC-Paramount in 1965, and was highly praised for her 1966 appearance at the Austin Jazz Festival. Following a period of semi-retirement, Connor made a comeback in the mid-70's, cutting albums with Kenton and Maynard Ferguson. She continued recording in the '80s for Progressive, Stash and Contemporary. Her most recent session was a '92 date for Enja. A fair amount of Connor materrial is availabe on CD. ~ Ron Wynn
---Ron Wynn, All-Music Guide