Annie Ross, the jazz singer who performed as a third of the popular vocal group Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, died at her Manhattan home on Tuesday (July 21), according to The New York Times. She was 89 years old. No cause of death has been announced.
Ross is best known for “Twisted,” a song sung from the perspective of a neurotic patient who visits his analyst. Musically, the song was based on an improvisational blues number recorded in 1949 by saxophonist Wardell Gray. Ross recorded and performed “Twisted” many times throughout his career, but first put the song under his own name in 1952. “Twisted” was unique not only because of its dark and hurtful theme, but also because it was Ross who wrote his lyrics (Most of the lyrics in Lambert, Hendricks and Ross were written by Jon Hendricks). The song would eventually be covered by Joni Mitchell, Bette Midler, and others.
After leaving Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross in 1962, Ross faced a number of difficulties, including occasional heroin dependence, bankruptcy, and divorce. However, he finally found his way back to the performing arts. In the mid-1980s, Ross acted in various theatrical productions in London, including Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera and The Penzance Pirates. She also starred in several British television shows and the 1993 Robert Altman film. Short Cuts (as jazz singer Tess Trainer).
Ross released several solo albums in recent decades, as well as recordings in collaboration with jazz giants like Hoagy Carmichael, Count Basie, and more. His last studio album was 2014. To lady with love, which he recorded with Bucky and John Pizzarelli.
Ross’s last career was spent as a cabaret artist. In 2010, she was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts and was named Jazz Master.
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