voc, 1917-1961 US, Holdenville, Oklahoma
Singer / Musician of Jazz
Born: September 01, 1917, Holdenville, Oklahoma, USA Died: February 10, 1961, Freetown, Sierra Leone American jazz vocalist, best known for her work with Louis Armstrong, she died in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during a tour with him. She was originally a dancer and, although overweight, she often did splits on stage, even during her Armstrong years. Middleton had an average but pleasing and good-humored voice. After freelancing, including a visit to South America in 1938 with Connie McLean's Orchestra and performing as a solo act, she joined Louis Armstrong's big band in 1942, appearing on some Soundies with Satchmo. After Armstrong broke up the orchestra in 1947, Middleton joined his All-Stars. She was often used for comic relief, such as for duets with Satchmo on "That's My Desire" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside", and she did occasional features. Few jazz critics thought highly of her singing, but Armstrong considered her part of his family, and she was a constant part of his show. She recorded eight selections as a leader for the Dootone label, in 1948 and 1951.
Louis Armstrong And His All-Stars |
Track list and 30sec audio provided by
Title | Artist | Year | Type |
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All That Jazz, Vol. 74: Live In Boston - 30th November 1947 | Louis Armstrong And His All-Stars Featuing Jack Teagarden ・ Barney Bigard ・ Dick Cary ・ Arvell Shaw ・ Velma Middleton | 2016 | Album |
Louis Armstrong And His All-Stars | Louis Armstrong And His All-Stars, Earl Hines, Velma Middleton | 1992 | Compil. |
The Unforgettable Duets | Louis Armstrong & Velma Middleton | 1988 | Compil. |
Le Canzoni Più Belle - N° 12 | Louis Armstrong E Velma Middleton / Fats Waller & His Continental Rhythm | 1973 | Single |
Big Butter And Egg Man / When It's Sleepy Time Down South | Louis Armstrong, Velma Middleton | 1953 | Album |
Big Butter And Egg man / You're The Apple Of My Eye | Louis Armstrong And His All-Stars And Velma Middleton | 1952 | Album |
Takes Two To Tango / That's My Desire | Louis Armstrong, Velma Middleton | 1952 | Album |
That's My Desire / Baby, It's Cold Outside | Louis Armstrong And Velma Middleton With Louis Armstrong And His All-Stars | 1952 | Single |
Baby It's Cold Outside | Louis Armstrong & Velma Middleton | 1952 | Single |
Baby It's Cold Outside / You're Just In Love | Louis Armstrong And Velma Middleton | 1951 | Album |
If / (I Wonder Why) You're Just In Love | Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra / Louis Armstrong And Velma Middleton | 1951 | Single |
Kiss Of Fire / Big Butter And Egg Man | Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra, Velma Middleton | 1927 | Album |
Louis Armstrong All Stars | Louis Armstrong And His All-Stars, Jack Teagarden, Barney Bigard, Earl Hines, Arvell Shaw, Sidney Catlett, Velma Middleton | Album |