The American jazz singer Chris Connor was born in Kansas City, Missouri on
November 8, 1927. She studied clarinet as a girl, and at the age of 18 she was
given the opportunity to sing at a college graduation ceremony. The positive
reception from the audience convinced her she should pursue a career as a
professional singer. After moving to New York, a chance meeting with Joe Green,
the manager of the well-known orchestra leader Claude Thornhill, Connor secured
an audition with the band leader. Thornhill liked what he heard and Connor was
recruited for his touring ensemble. The ex...