Beverly was my aunt, passed away long before I was born but her memory has been kept alive in our family. She had such talent and it's heart warming to see more people discovering her all these years later
I'm a jazz vocalist, and I hadn't heard about Beverly Kenney until May 3, 2024, when a friend mentioned her name and sent me the video of "It's A Most Unusual Day." I was so mesmerized by the quality and sound of her voice that the next day, I started searching for any information I could find about Beverly Kenney, and this video came up. At the beginning of this video, the narrator is telling my story, almost verbatim. What are the chances!
Just discovered Beverly Kenney in a Lincoln commercial. A few bars of “It’s a Most Unusual Day” and wow! Shazam’d it immediately, thought she was new on the scene as I’d never heard of her - and my appreciation for jazz singers goes way back. Thank you for sharing something of her story. Looking forward to discovering more of her beautiful work.
I guess all of us new fans of Beverly Kenney need to thank Lincoln Mercury for bringing this beautiful voice back to life!!❤️🎶🎵I would have never knew of Beverly Kenney if it weren’t for that car commercial!
This is my great aunt my grandmothers sister and yes my grandma is still alive having thanksgiving there this week she gets sad hard for her to talk about her but that commercial made her so happy ❤
@@katyaaila7964 That is so cool! Beverly had a Beautiful voice!! What a gift! I'm so sad that her life was so short! She is a treasure! I'm adding her to many of my play lists on Spotify. Happy Thanksgiving! Tell your Grandma her Daughter had an amazing voice!
@@katyaaila7964 please tell your grandmother that her sister has made many people so very happy with her gifts of song and we thank her very much. What a voice !
Hi Brian! Nice to meet a family member here! I’ve tried to pull every possible bit of info and every known photo of BK for the website. If your family has any previously unknown photos I’d love to include them!
@@TonyGuerrero I love almost all of Beverly's renditions, but having grown up singing Mairzy Doats in its original tempo, I found Beverly's take on the song extraordinary! Her rendition turned a child's jingle into a love song for me. Quite amazing... ruclips.net/video/Z6pdVwSuhBw/видео.html
I just recently discovered Beverly and have been doing a deep dive discovering her music.I always research different Jazz singers (Past and Present) so I can listen and learn their phrasing and approach and their arrangement ideas. I was doing just this when I found her songs on iTunes and only just today I learned of her story. As a fellow Jazz singer who has also battled with significant clinical depression and generalised anxiety from a young age (even with the benefit of modern medication which barely helps) I feel an affinity with her. Her version of Born to be Blue was the first song I discovered. She really felt that. No wonder I was drawn to it.
Many thanks to Tony Guerrero for this tribute to Beverly Kenney, whom I became curious about after hearing her on TV's THE MUSIC CHANNEL. Even though I was on the air for several years in the 60's, both as an Army broadcaster overseas and in commercial radio when I returned, I had never heard of Ms Kenney, and never played any of her recordings. The reason, I think, was that her career was cut so short the record labels never promoted her work much, if at all. And that is truly sad, because as Guerrero wrote, her voice stopped him in his tracks. Me too, Tony. What a talent, and what a tragic loss.
I heard her singing 'It's A Most Unusual Day' on a recent commercial - which often gets me to investigate music - and was instantly taken by her smooth, velvet voice and phrasing. I don't think that has happened with me before - voice wise - a melody or instrumental snippet yes, but never a voice. A diamond in the rough for sure.
Thanks Tony for this wonderful coverage and tribute of Beverly Kenney. I first heard her sing when I was in college in 1957 and instantly fell in love with her voice, style and phrasing. I was shocked and heartbroken when I learned of her tragic death. So young... For years I would tell people about her, but no one knew or had heard of her. It wasn't until I found a few of her songs on the internet that I could share her music with others. I too believe, that even with her short career, she belongs on a short list of the very best.
@UCm3-rRGghw-liJwHBrfh_FQ I love almost all of Beverly's renditions, but having grown up singing Mairzy Doats in its original tempo, I found Beverly's take on the song extraordinary! Her rendition turned a child's jingle into a love song for me. Quite amazing... @
I discovered Beverly Kenney way back. The Lincoln commercial reminded me to pull out the CDs I'd collected. After hearing so much of American Idol style overwrought vocal gymnastics, Beverly remains a breath of pure, fresh air. A beautiful, sad, talented lady. Her story breaks my heart.
Well done. Beverly Kenney's music found me when I was in my early twenties almost 15 years ago. Like you, I felt drawn in and I listened to everything I could get my hands on. I can say definitively that her music saved me from taking my own life during those years of depression and overwhelm. Her voice guided me through early adulthood, beyond my own fears of driving and societal pressures. While other singers like Anita O'Day loved being the center of attention, Kenney once said that if she could sing behind a screen she would. I still feel that way in my daily life. I do wonder...I was recently diagnosed with Autism. It looks different in females than males and when we're good at hiding it, people sometimes just think we're depressed or anxious. Even family members and friends doubt my diagnosis, but so much finally makes sense. I now wonder if she was also on the spectrum. She certainly understood more about tonal patterns than anyone else I've ever listened to. 70% of autistic people delay driving. Many of us are depressed. Regardless, I am so grateful she lived and that she saved my life almost fifty years after she took her own. Thank you for honoring this beautiful soul 💜
I've been listening to female singers of the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's, and have read most of what is available in print about the woman jazz singers, how did I not know of this woman? Something like Blossom Dearie meets Anita O'Day. Tony thanks for this!!
Tony, can't thank you enough for all your work to honor Beverly Kenney. Also thanks to Ford/Lincoln and their ad agency for bringing this gifted artist to light. I've revered the greats including Carol Sloane (just found out she passed last month), and must now add the "most unusual," effortless, natural, and gifted Beverly Kenney. Thank you!
This past week was listening to a program on TV and this Lincoln (car)commercial came on with someone singing "It's a Most Unusual Day." I said to myself who is this? In any case, 10xs later of the same damn commercial forced me to do a google search bc I figured it was someone new out of Berklee. The google search on the new "Lincoln commercial," brought me here and so glad it found me. Thanks for the website. Grew up listening and singing to my dad's collection of so many of the greats already mentioned below. Sad story. Unfortunately, back then the treatment for depression was inadequate at best. Today much more is understood about these psych disorders.
Wonderful portrait ....... I started with Jo Stafford in 1951and then moved to June in Christy 1958 ...... and now in love with Beverly in 2020. When Susan McCorkle took her life in 2001, Percy Heath reminded me of Beverly's passing and how tragic it is when people suffer from depression.
I first heard Beverly on Jonathan Schwartz's WNYC radio show about ten years ago. I had just come home from an early gig. The radio was on, and I walked in to her recording of Stairway To the Stars. I was transfixed. Jonathan played a few more of her tracks, and I immediately went online to read everything I could find about her. It was heartbreaking to read of her demise. What a wonderful artist, and what a tragically short life.
When I first heard the 2021 Lincoln commercial (It’s a Most Unusual Day), I shouted “Who is that?!?” I ran back the DVR to hear it again and again. I instantly fell in love with her singing. Thank you for filling in some of the details of her short career. And, especially, thank you for “Everything Happens To Me”. I think there was a tear or two when I heard it. How sad that we lost her so soon.
Me too. My heart jumped for joy when I heard her beautiful voice. That's what I love with these commercials, they re-introduce us to the classics. 🥂 Have a wonderful day!
@@sonjahenney1283 ...much like the great Kohl's ad featuring the music of John Batiste signing" On the Sunny Side of the Street"...both these ads rank at the very top...
Jonathan Schwartz used to play Beverly on his radio show in NYC. At the time she didn't click with me. Maybe it was the song I heard. But the new Lincoln commercial is playing constantly and I got hooked immediately. I went to I Tunes and played 15 seconds of It's A Most Unusual Day. Bingo! I downloaded it immediately and jumped on You Tube where I saw your video. I'm experiencing the same feelings when I discovered Eva Cassidy a few years ago. Thanks Tony.
I was brought here by the Lincoln commercial. I'm 65, and I've known this song most of my life. I Google the song to see where it came from (I thought for sure it had to be a Broadway musical). It's actually from a movie musical. But that Wikipedia article led me to the name, Beverly Kenney, and also to fact that she's the one singing on this new commercial. What I said, tragic story. But what a talent -- the voice of an angel!
Having adored Streisand's "diva" version of I Never Has Seen Snow, for ages, I checked out other renditions. I stumbled across Beverly Kenney's rendition, and down the rabbit hole I went. What a great jazz voice and delivery she had, and a shockingly short life. I'm now looking forward to listening to all I can find. Thank goodness for youtube and thank you for this Mr. Guerrero.
I just had the same experience that Tony had when I heard someone sing "its a most unusual day' on a Linclon TV car commercial. Like Tony I am a particular fan of jazz singers, especially females from the 50's and 60's and I immediately went down my voice memory catalog; Anita O'Day, ...no; Blossom Dearie...no, Chris Connor...no; Julie London...no. So I went on youtube found Beverely and the song on an album name Beverely Kenney sings for Playboys. I was able to hear her sing the entire track. What a talent, what great delivery and timing but oh how sad and tragic her life. Thanks so much Tony for shedding light on this wonderful artist. I will be collecting her music.
Played her when I was on the air at WTRL In Bradenton, FL in 1957-8. The sweet simplicity of her voice had me entranced. Her “Sings for Johnny Smith” album is wonderful. I saw her play at Birdland the following year. Her version of “The Trolley Song” is charming. Such a lovely voice, a life too short.
I'm a big Johnny Smith fan, that's where I first heard of her. That album is fantastic. I knew that was her on that car commercial. I'm more of a bebop fan (Wes Montgomery, Wynton Kelly) but I like her stuff. It's a nice change of pace. Sad story though. If she only knew that RUclips would exist in the future. 🙂
I am a DJ at big band, jazz, Great American Songbook station. I discovered her by accident about 9 years ago on RUclips. There wasn't much there, but a few albums and the Playboy clip. I was totally enchanted but devastated that she had killed herself at 28. I just couldn't believe it. It was sad to see that our radio station only had one song of hers in our main air collection. I just played her today from my own personal collection. I played "It's a most unusual day". I love that she had the ability to sound not quite happy and not quite sad. Hard to explain. But what a gift. Thanks for posting. I am always looking out for anything I can find about her.
Beverly is magnificent. Such a talent and beauty. Ty for sharing this. An artist like her deserves recognition. It's never too late, to wrap yourself around her dazzling recordings. 👍
i can hardly 'speak". I too heard her voice on a car commercial during this (2021) Christmas/Thanksgiving season. On the second occasion of hearing this person I went to youtube to try and find out who she was. She is nothing less than incredible. I really like the jazz vocalists of this period from Carmen Mcrae who was also on Decca in the mid 50's to Sarah, Ella, Anita, Dakota Staton to Blossom Dearie who might have come a couple of years later to Chet Baker to the vocalist who wrote tis autumn whose name I can;t recall right now. Thank you for your video filling in the blanks on who she was. She was Beverly Kenney a talented, real and sensitive soul. Depression is truly a nightmare and if you add pharmaceuticals to the mix, often enough it is deadly. One ends up somewhere between temporary relief or escape to darker, more intense symptoms of the depression. Gone way too soon. RIP Beverly Kenney.
I was listening to a jazz Saturday night public radio show a few years ago. The entire episode was focused on Beverly. Her voice was incredible! I had to stop what I was doing and say “Who is that???? That voice is amazing!” I became a fan instantly. Thank you for your amazing research findings! I heard she became very very very popular in Japan.
Unknown to me she has a wonderful attack, control, balance, vision, appreciation of essentials and requirements, a sweet little voice but balanced and issued well. There is a story being revealed by keen followers of this art, the way to sing jazz well and sound everlastingly fresh. Beverley deserves attention, now.
I discovered Beverly Kenney several years ago and I'm happy to see this tribute to a wonderfully talented singer. I hope it will introduced more people to this exceptional artist.
What a wonderful video essay! I, too, know jazz fairly well and I just discovered her today thanks to "Swing & Standards" channel on my cable system. Most of the time while listening, I'm working and it's simply background music. Her song "Undecided" came on the channel and it instantly snapped me out of my work. I'm always on the lookout for singers (and bands, to a lesser extent) who fit the genre I call "Hipster Bop"--wry, Beat-influenced, with non-traditional singing styles and phrasing. She definitely fit the bill. Sad story; wonderful artist. Thanks for this.
Thank you for this. Like you, I had never heard of Beverly Kenny, but when I heard her version of "There Will Never Be Another You" with Johnny Smith on my favourite jazz station, I was immediately smitten with her voice and phrasing and had to track her down. Such a tragic story.
Great voice and what a pleasant surprise; I've been a fan of Beverly Kenney for the past few years and the other night a TV ad for the Lincoln Aviator comes on and it's Kenney singing " It's a Most Unusual Day".I knew the voice and quickly Googled just to be certain I wasn't dreaming.
Thank you, Tony, for posting this nice tribute, and also for your website, which I have checked out. I've had Beverly's CDs about 10 years, someday hopefully her vinyl LPs. The photo of her parents looks like it was taken at Harrison Gardens. In the 70s, I lived on Franklin Ave, between her childhood home on Kingsland Ave, and the Gardens. An extra reason to be a fan, supporting the girl from the old neighborhood. I did a little research, but you have done a fine and thorough job of putting it all together on your website.
I discovered Beverly Kenney several years ago on RUclips singing her audition recording of "That's All". I was blown away. Since then, I acquired her 6 albums. Her emotional range is absolutely impressive. She brings a deep understanding as well as a personal perspective to the music she sings. I put her up there with Anita O Day, Sarah Vaughn, and just behind Billie Holiday.
I just discovered this voice and I love it. Every time the Lincoln ad would DC one on the tube and the song "Its a most unusual day" comes on I realized I needed to find more. I searched every heading for the song until finally I struck gold.
Tony, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video. I too felt that I wanted to hear and know everything and anything Beverly. It all started when I found an original copy of 'The Cool Voice of Rita Reyes' album at a yard sale over 20 years ago. Rita lead me to Beverly. I admire both voices so much. Thanks again for this wonderful video.
This is really great ! Thank you for doing this ! We are currently doing a documentary on my late friend Buddy Greco and I really appreciate when people do this for lesser known and forgotten artists of great talent !
I too, the first time I heard her singing Tea for two on the early demo, was stopped dead in my tracks. Her singing led me on a strange beautiful journey, made even more intense by the two wonderful chords played on the word 'family' at the end of the song by her piano player. It completely blew me away. I couldnt believe how good this whole performance was. This was about a week ago. I find the whole demo album completely bewitching and sad. I think the key to her ultimate end is hidden in these songs. The ballads, wistful and romantic, become something else in her interpretations. They are literally soaked in melancholy and never finish in a positive happy way. Her final note is always faintly disturbing, landing where you least expect it, giving the ending an unsettling, disorienting feel. Maybe that was an expression of her personality, the way she felt about life.
Tony, that current car TV ad featuring Miss Kenney singing "It's An Unusual Day" grabbed my attention...Who's voice is that I said to myself...so stylish and smooth...I had to find out more about her...I never heard of Beverly Kenney before...Now I am smitten...she is a great jazz signer and only wish I could find a CD of her Playboy album...thanks for sharing this video...James, Columbus, OH
Tony Thanks for your research. Its a most unusual day i kept hearing over and over. I try to find who sang and it was Beverly Kenney. Im a jazz drummer with the Jan Garber Orch. Very sad history.
I have a deep, connection, with artists, who have past! I'm also, "the finder of things", and I'm so glad Beverly Kenney found me! I had to know who the singer, in the commercial was?🥲🙏🏾 She and I, thank you for this back, story! She is one of the best!
Same thing,, Two Bars and I was hooked. As a former singer and daughter of drummer Itv kluger I LOVE Grrr8 ones and she was I loved the info, thank you So much for doing the homework for me ! I am sitting with Mel Tormes sister Myrna Williams as I care for her in her 90's, and I played Bev for her. She smiled more than she has in long time !!
Thanks Tony for the video on Beverly Kenny. The first time I heard the commercial there was something about her voice that was captivating.I went on RUclips to see the commercial again and came across your video about Beverly. It was a sad ending to her life. The amazing thing is that one commercial can bring her music and her life back into the spotlight once again. Thanks agin for the video!
Thank you for this tribute. One of the most amazing voices I've heard. Such a beautiful lady. She must've been in so much pain. First time I heard her voice I fell in love with it.
Excellent work on this story of such an amazing vocal talent, gone to this world way too early. Found this after hearing Ms. Kenney’s song on a recent tv car advertisement. Infinity, I believe.
Thank you so much for educating myself and others on this talented singer. After hearing her in the Lincoln commercial, I was compelled to find out more about her. My husband, a singer and trumpet player, hadn't heard of Beverly either. We both are now BIG fans. Going to go through my dad's album collection to see if he has any of her recordings. We are curious who found the recording to use on the commercial.
Like several others, I discovered Beverly Kenney from the Lincoln commercial. I'm glad they chose her music to accompany their ad. Her voice is so beautiful.
Golly. Thats all I have to say. (as mentioned in another post) I searched the song looking for the rendition used in a recent car commercial; "It's A Most Unusual Day" and found her. Glad to see it's not just me! I too was taken when I heard her voice. I love local jazz, in particular women singers.Learning about her short life is so sad to know.
Not a jazz follower but you are right, she has those magic qualities that should be recognised and the tragedy of her taking her own life not be dismissed. Its so sad that so many talented artists are not destined to stay with us and Beverly is another example....
I heard her first only recently on a podcast called Afterglow and like you, was stopped in my tracks. Her story, but even more than that, her voice, continues to haunt me. Thank you for your respectful tribute. I can't wait to listen to the longer episode you've posted!
Glad to have found this. Every time I hear the Lincoln commercial spot I tell myself to search for this version and singer. It has a such a classic mid-50's vocal style to it which I am huge fan of. Cant get enough of listening to her vocals. I recently discovered another relatively unknown vocalist named Lurlean Hunter. She has a similar style . I recommend checking her out on RUclips as well.
Wow. Thank you a million times for making this. I too was immediately arrested by this singer's lovely voice, in the Lincoln commercial. Searching for the song led me here. I was also only familiar with "It's a Most Unusual Day" from hearing it sung badly on Seinfeld. What a goldmine, to discover this lovely performer, only so sad she had such a brief life. Thank you again for making this. 🌹
I also was attracted to her voice seeing the Lincoln commercial. Thanks for your documentary. I listened to ten versions of Destination Moon and she is far and away superior to any other
In hindsight, it's clear that the once in history talent of lady Beverly Kenney was sadly lost due to a time when too many mental illnesses were as yet overlooked, misunderstood, stigmatized, and/or all of the above, in order to make a meaningful difference. Just imagine how much more musical magic could have come from this amazing woman were she afforded the thoughtful understanding and guidance that clearly became lost upon her. RIP sweet songbird!
We are so grateful to you Tony… what a great job you did with this video providing the scarcity of material. Like you I had never heard of her and just had to rush to my phone to Shazam what was being played on a tv commercial this morning… can’t even tell you what the commercial was so taken I was with that voice and delivery. Thanks Tony.
Thanks so much to you and Ford for shedding some light on this wonderful singer, lost to us too soon. So tragic that there was no help available for the pain she was in. Best off luck on your tribute concert--hope it gets widespread distribution
Now one of the reasons it is said, that Miss Kenney took her life was a deep hatred and disappointment that rock and roll had become the style of music in that day. What is eerie, is this: had she just hung in a few years longer, she'd have discovered bossa nova, which would have fit her voice like a velvet glove. And now, whenever I hear Stacey Kent, who bears a strong vocal resemblance to her, duetting with Marcos Valle....I am touched. And deeply saddened at what might have been....
Like others I heard the Lincoln commercial and like others I was captivated by Beverly's voice. I don't know much about jazz but I know what I like. So sad that her voice was silenced so soon. Her voice delivery and technique seem so 2020s that I thought she was a current singer. Again, so sad!
I also just heard Beverly Kenney in a commercial where she sang "It's a Most Unusual Day". The quality of her voice attracted me Immediately. That second, I had to find out who the singer was and was gladdened to have found her. However, now I'm saddened to learn about her life.
I too became recently obsessed with this beautiful voice , her unique soothing tone and melodies. Thanks for putting together this amazing insight on Beverly. Btw..where is she buried, NYC? Would love to visit and pay respects. 🎸✌🏼
Beverly was my aunt, passed away long before I was born but her memory has been kept alive in our family. She had such talent and it's heart warming to see more people discovering her all these years later
I'm a jazz vocalist, and I hadn't heard about Beverly Kenney until May 3, 2024, when a friend mentioned her name and sent me the video of "It's A Most Unusual Day." I was so mesmerized by the quality and sound of her voice that the next day, I started searching for any information I could find about Beverly Kenney, and this video came up. At the beginning of this video, the narrator is telling my story, almost verbatim. What are the chances!
Beverly Kenney work with me at long Branch ,NJ.....Years ago...A great singer and friend.. Many beautiful memories.....
Just discovered Beverly Kenney in a Lincoln commercial. A few bars of “It’s a Most Unusual Day” and wow! Shazam’d it immediately, thought she was new on the scene as I’d never heard of her - and my appreciation for jazz singers goes way back. Thank you for sharing something of her story. Looking forward to discovering more of her beautiful work.
I guess all of us new fans of Beverly Kenney need to thank Lincoln Mercury for bringing this beautiful voice back to life!!❤️🎶🎵I would have never knew of Beverly Kenney if it weren’t for that car commercial!
This is my great aunt my grandmothers sister and yes my grandma is still alive having thanksgiving there this week she gets sad hard for her to talk about her but that commercial made her so happy ❤
@@katyaaila7964 That is so cool! Beverly had a Beautiful voice!! What a gift! I'm so sad that her life was so short! She is a treasure! I'm adding her to many of my play lists on Spotify. Happy Thanksgiving! Tell your Grandma her Daughter had an amazing voice!
Same here.
@@katyaaila7964 please tell your grandmother that her sister has made many people so very happy with her gifts of song and we thank her very much. What a voice !
I thought I was the only one who who heard this voice in the commercial and had to find out who it was. Amazing talent. I am hooked.
WOW!! I had an almost verbatim reaction!!
Ok, admit it. How many of you are here after hearing that unique and spellbound rendition of "It's a most unusual day" from that car commercial?
First saw BK at the Village Vanguard in 1958...and the heart beat still goes on! (I'm 94 now.)
Great clip... This is my mother's cousin / my mother's father's Brother was her father. Many thanks
Hi Brian! Nice to meet a family member here! I’ve tried to pull every possible bit of info and every known photo of BK for the website. If your family has any previously unknown photos I’d love to include them!
@@TonyGuerrero I love almost all of Beverly's renditions, but having grown up singing Mairzy Doats in its original tempo, I found Beverly's take on the song extraordinary! Her rendition turned a child's jingle into a love song for me. Quite amazing... ruclips.net/video/Z6pdVwSuhBw/видео.html
Shes my great aunt my grandmothers sister
I just recently discovered Beverly and have been doing a deep dive discovering her music.I always research different Jazz singers (Past and Present) so I can listen and learn their phrasing and approach and their arrangement ideas. I was doing just this when I found her songs on iTunes and only just today I learned of her story. As a fellow Jazz singer who has also battled with significant clinical depression and generalised anxiety from a young age (even with the benefit of modern medication which barely helps) I feel an affinity with her. Her version of Born to be Blue was the first song I discovered. She really felt that. No wonder I was drawn to it.
Many thanks to Tony Guerrero for this tribute to Beverly Kenney, whom I became curious
about after hearing her on TV's THE MUSIC CHANNEL. Even though I was on the air
for several years in the 60's, both as an Army broadcaster overseas and in commercial radio when I returned, I had never heard of Ms Kenney, and never played any of her
recordings. The reason, I think, was that her career was cut so short the record labels
never promoted her work much, if at all. And that is truly sad, because as
Guerrero wrote, her voice stopped him in his tracks. Me too, Tony. What a talent,
and what a tragic loss.
I heard her singing 'It's A Most Unusual Day' on a recent commercial - which often gets me to investigate music - and was instantly taken by her smooth, velvet voice and phrasing. I don't think that has happened with me before - voice wise - a melody or instrumental snippet yes, but never a voice. A diamond in the rough for sure.
ruclips.net/video/EVDW5KfRqFk/видео.html
This is my great aunt! My grandmothers sister! ❤❤❤❤❤ its hard for my grandmother to talk about her makes her sad
Hi! I would love to speak with you about something we’re planning. Could you please email me at migantgue@gmail.com
Thanks Tony for this wonderful coverage and tribute of Beverly Kenney. I first heard her sing when I was in college in 1957 and instantly fell in love with her voice, style and phrasing. I was shocked and heartbroken when I learned of her tragic death. So young... For years I would tell people about her, but no one knew or had heard of her. It wasn't until I found a few of her songs on the internet that I could share her music with others. I too believe, that even with her short career, she belongs on a short list of the very best.
@UCm3-rRGghw-liJwHBrfh_FQ I love almost all of Beverly's renditions, but having grown up singing Mairzy Doats in its original tempo, I found Beverly's take on the song extraordinary! Her rendition turned a child's jingle into a love song for me. Quite amazing... @
I discovered Beverly Kenney way back. The Lincoln commercial reminded me to pull out the CDs I'd collected. After hearing so much of American Idol style overwrought vocal gymnastics, Beverly remains a breath of pure, fresh air. A beautiful, sad, talented lady. Her story breaks my heart.
Well done. Beverly Kenney's music found me when I was in my early twenties almost 15 years ago. Like you, I felt drawn in and I listened to everything I could get my hands on. I can say definitively that her music saved me from taking my own life during those years of depression and overwhelm. Her voice guided me through early adulthood, beyond my own fears of driving and societal pressures. While other singers like Anita O'Day loved being the center of attention, Kenney once said that if she could sing behind a screen she would. I still feel that way in my daily life.
I do wonder...I was recently diagnosed with Autism. It looks different in females than males and when we're good at hiding it, people sometimes just think we're depressed or anxious. Even family members and friends doubt my diagnosis, but so much finally makes sense. I now wonder if she was also on the spectrum. She certainly understood more about tonal patterns than anyone else I've ever listened to. 70% of autistic people delay driving. Many of us are depressed.
Regardless, I am so grateful she lived and that she saved my life almost fifty years after she took her own.
Thank you for honoring this beautiful soul 💜
I've been listening to female singers of the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's, and have read most of what is available in print about the woman jazz singers, how did I not know of this woman? Something like Blossom Dearie meets Anita O'Day. Tony thanks for this!!
Blossom Dearie meets Anita O'Day is a great way of putting it.
Her voice was undeniably pristine and kind, Thanks Tony, for bringing her to my attention!
Tony, can't thank you enough for all your work to honor Beverly Kenney. Also thanks to Ford/Lincoln and their ad agency for bringing this gifted artist to light. I've revered the greats including Carol Sloane (just found out she passed last month), and must now add the "most unusual," effortless, natural, and gifted Beverly Kenney. Thank you!
This past week was listening to a program on TV and this Lincoln (car)commercial came on with someone singing "It's a Most Unusual Day." I said to myself who is this? In any case, 10xs later of the same damn commercial forced me to do a google search bc I figured it was someone new out of Berklee. The google search on the new "Lincoln commercial," brought me here and so glad it found me. Thanks for the website. Grew up listening and singing to my dad's collection of so many of the greats already mentioned below. Sad story. Unfortunately, back then the treatment for depression was inadequate at best. Today much more is understood about these psych disorders.
Wonderful portrait ....... I started with Jo Stafford in 1951and then moved to June in Christy 1958 ...... and now in love with Beverly in 2020. When Susan McCorkle took her life in 2001, Percy Heath reminded me of Beverly's passing and how tragic it is when people suffer from depression.
I first heard Beverly on Jonathan Schwartz's WNYC radio show about ten years ago. I had just come home from an early gig. The radio was on, and I walked in to her recording of Stairway To the Stars. I was transfixed. Jonathan played a few more of her tracks, and I immediately went online to read everything I could find about her. It was heartbreaking to read of her demise. What a wonderful artist, and what a tragically short life.
When I first heard the 2021 Lincoln commercial (It’s a Most Unusual Day), I shouted “Who is that?!?” I ran back the DVR to hear it again and again. I instantly fell in love with her singing. Thank you for filling in some of the details of her short career. And, especially, thank you for “Everything Happens To Me”. I think there was a tear or two when I heard it. How sad that we lost her so soon.
Me too. My heart jumped for joy when I heard her beautiful voice. That's what I love with these commercials, they re-introduce us to the classics. 🥂 Have a wonderful day!
@@sonjahenney1283 ...much like the great Kohl's ad featuring the music of John Batiste signing" On the Sunny Side of the Street"...both these ads rank at the very top...
Thank you for this. I fell in love with her voice but knew nothing about her. A beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit . So sad. Thank you again.
Jonathan Schwartz used to play Beverly on his radio show in NYC. At the time she didn't click with me. Maybe it was the song I heard. But the new Lincoln commercial is playing constantly and I got hooked immediately. I went to I Tunes and played 15 seconds of It's A Most Unusual Day. Bingo! I downloaded it immediately and jumped on You Tube where I saw your video. I'm experiencing the same feelings when I discovered Eva Cassidy a few years ago. Thanks Tony.
I was brought here by the Lincoln commercial. I'm 65, and I've known this song most of my life. I Google the song to see where it came from (I thought for sure it had to be a Broadway musical). It's actually from a movie musical. But that Wikipedia article led me to the name, Beverly Kenney, and also to fact that she's the one singing on this new commercial. What I said, tragic story. But what a talent -- the voice of an angel!
She was really a great singer! Thank you for giving her attention, as well as to the still misunderstood issue of Depression
Wow, what a wonderful find! But so tragic. Thank you Tony.
beautifully made introduction to this wonderful voice from the shade of musical history. i love her so much.
Having adored Streisand's "diva" version of I Never Has Seen Snow, for ages, I checked out other renditions. I stumbled across Beverly Kenney's rendition, and down the rabbit hole I went. What a great jazz voice and delivery she had, and a shockingly short life. I'm now looking forward to listening to all I can find. Thank goodness for youtube and thank you for this Mr. Guerrero.
Tony, thank you for sharing a bit of Kenny’s history and story and her affect on you. I am enriched.
I just had the same experience that Tony had when I heard someone sing "its a most unusual day' on a Linclon TV car commercial. Like Tony I am a particular fan of jazz singers, especially females from the 50's and 60's and I immediately went down my voice memory catalog; Anita O'Day, ...no; Blossom Dearie...no, Chris Connor...no; Julie London...no. So I went on youtube found Beverely and the song on an album name Beverely Kenney sings for Playboys. I was able to hear her sing the entire track. What a talent, what great delivery and timing but oh how sad and tragic her life. Thanks so much Tony for shedding light on this wonderful artist. I will be collecting her music.
I heard this lovely voice on the Lincoln and was moved of how beautiful Beverly Kenney sang!
Played her when I was on the air at WTRL In Bradenton, FL in 1957-8. The sweet simplicity of her voice had me entranced. Her “Sings for Johnny Smith” album is wonderful. I saw her play at Birdland the following year. Her version of “The Trolley Song” is charming. Such a lovely voice, a life too short.
I'm a big Johnny Smith fan, that's where I first heard of her. That album is fantastic. I knew that was her on that car commercial. I'm more of a bebop fan (Wes Montgomery, Wynton Kelly) but I like her stuff. It's a nice change of pace. Sad story though. If she only knew that RUclips would exist in the future. 🙂
I am a DJ at big band, jazz, Great American Songbook station. I discovered her by accident about 9 years ago on RUclips. There wasn't much there, but a few albums and the Playboy clip. I was totally enchanted but devastated that she had killed herself at 28. I just couldn't believe it. It was sad to see that our radio station only had one song of hers in our main air collection. I just played her today from my own personal collection. I played "It's a most unusual day". I love that she had the ability to sound not quite happy and not quite sad. Hard to explain. But what a gift. Thanks for posting. I am always looking out for anything I can find about her.
Beverly is magnificent. Such a talent and beauty. Ty for sharing this. An artist like her deserves recognition. It's never too late, to wrap yourself around her dazzling recordings. 👍
i can hardly 'speak". I too heard her voice on a car commercial during this (2021) Christmas/Thanksgiving season. On the second occasion of hearing this person I went to youtube to try and find out who she was. She is nothing less than incredible. I really like the jazz vocalists of this period from Carmen Mcrae who was also on Decca in the mid 50's to Sarah, Ella, Anita, Dakota Staton to Blossom Dearie who might have come a couple of years later to Chet Baker to the vocalist who wrote tis autumn whose name I can;t recall right now. Thank you for your video filling in the blanks on who she was. She was Beverly Kenney a talented, real and sensitive soul. Depression is truly a nightmare and if you add pharmaceuticals to the mix, often enough it is deadly. One ends up somewhere between temporary relief or escape to darker, more intense symptoms of the depression. Gone way too soon. RIP Beverly Kenney.
I was listening to a jazz Saturday night public radio show a few years ago. The entire episode was focused on Beverly. Her voice was incredible! I had to stop what I was doing and say “Who is that???? That voice is amazing!” I became a fan instantly. Thank you for your amazing research findings! I heard she became very very very popular in Japan.
Unknown to me she has a wonderful attack, control, balance, vision, appreciation of essentials and requirements, a sweet little voice but balanced and issued well. There is a story being revealed by keen followers of this art, the way to sing jazz well and sound everlastingly fresh. Beverley deserves attention, now.
I discovered Beverly Kenney several years ago and I'm happy to see this tribute to a wonderfully talented singer. I hope it will introduced more people to this exceptional artist.
What a wonderful video essay! I, too, know jazz fairly well and I just discovered her today thanks to "Swing & Standards" channel on my cable system. Most of the time while listening, I'm working and it's simply background music. Her song "Undecided" came on the channel and it instantly snapped me out of my work. I'm always on the lookout for singers (and bands, to a lesser extent) who fit the genre I call "Hipster Bop"--wry, Beat-influenced, with non-traditional singing styles and phrasing. She definitely fit the bill. Sad story; wonderful artist. Thanks for this.
Thank you for this. Like you, I had never heard of Beverly Kenny, but when I heard her version of "There Will Never Be Another You" with Johnny Smith on my favourite jazz station, I was immediately smitten with her voice and phrasing and had to track her down. Such a tragic story.
Beautiful voice
Great voice and what a pleasant surprise; I've been a fan of Beverly Kenney for the past few years and the other night a TV ad for the Lincoln Aviator comes on and it's Kenney singing " It's a Most Unusual Day".I knew the voice and quickly Googled just to be certain I wasn't dreaming.
Great tribute.
Thank you, Tony, for posting this nice tribute, and also for your website, which I have checked out. I've had Beverly's CDs about 10 years, someday hopefully her vinyl LPs. The photo of her parents looks like it was taken at Harrison Gardens. In the 70s, I lived on Franklin Ave, between her childhood home on Kingsland Ave, and the Gardens. An extra reason to be a fan, supporting the girl from the old neighborhood. I did a little research, but you have done a fine and thorough job of putting it all together on your website.
I discovered Beverly Kenney several years ago on RUclips singing her audition recording of "That's All". I was blown away. Since then, I acquired her 6 albums. Her emotional range is absolutely impressive. She brings a deep understanding as well as a personal perspective to the music she sings. I put her up there with Anita O Day, Sarah Vaughn, and just behind Billie Holiday.
Fantastic!
Well done on the synopsis, and thanks again for the discovery. Will definitely go to the website.
I just discovered this voice and I love it. Every time the Lincoln ad would DC one on the tube and the song "Its a most unusual day" comes on I realized I needed to find more. I searched every heading for the song until finally I struck gold.
Tony, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video. I too felt that I wanted to hear and know everything and anything Beverly. It all started when I found an original copy of 'The Cool Voice of Rita Reyes' album at a yard sale over 20 years ago.
Rita lead me to Beverly. I admire both voices so much. Thanks again for this wonderful video.
Thanks for the intro to Beverly. Such a sad story, the least that we can do, it forward her legacy.
Intriguing. What a beautiful voice. Such sweet phrasing. I had never heard of her before and boy am I glad I now have. Great video.
Thanks for this tribute to Ms Kenney. I too was fascinated as to who was singing in the Lincoln commercial.
This is really great ! Thank you for doing this ! We are currently doing a documentary on my late friend Buddy Greco and I really appreciate when people do this for lesser known and forgotten artists of great talent !
I too, the first time I heard her singing Tea for two on the early demo, was stopped dead in my tracks. Her singing led me on a strange beautiful journey, made even more intense by the two wonderful chords played on the word 'family' at the end of the song by her piano player. It completely blew me away. I couldnt believe how good this whole performance was. This was about a week ago. I find the whole demo album completely bewitching and sad. I think the key to her ultimate end is hidden in these songs. The ballads, wistful and romantic, become something else in her interpretations. They are literally soaked in melancholy and never finish in a positive happy way. Her final note is always faintly disturbing, landing where you least expect it, giving the ending an unsettling, disorienting feel. Maybe that was an expression of her personality, the way she felt about life.
Such a wonderful singer! Thank you for introducing her to me. And, so sad.
Yes Tony, I found your video because after hearing the (Volvo?) commercial, I googled the song until I found her. Beverly Kenney.
Tony, that current car TV ad featuring Miss Kenney singing "It's An Unusual Day" grabbed my attention...Who's voice is that I said to myself...so stylish and smooth...I had to find out more about her...I never heard of Beverly Kenney before...Now I am smitten...she is a great jazz signer and only wish I could find a CD of her Playboy album...thanks for sharing this video...James, Columbus, OH
Tony Thanks for your research.
Its a most unusual day i kept hearing over and over. I try to find who sang and it was Beverly Kenney. Im a jazz drummer with the Jan Garber Orch. Very sad history.
Thanks Brother, I never heard of this woman before either. I consider myself a Classic Jazz snob, & this oversight sure makes me feel dumb.
what a beautiful voice
I have a deep, connection, with artists, who have past! I'm also, "the finder of things", and I'm so glad Beverly Kenney found me! I had to know who the singer, in the commercial was?🥲🙏🏾 She and I, thank you for this back, story! She is one of the best!
Same thing,, Two Bars and I was hooked. As a former singer and daughter of drummer Itv kluger I LOVE Grrr8 ones and she was I loved the info, thank you So much for doing the homework for me ! I am sitting with Mel Tormes sister Myrna Williams as I care for her in her 90's, and I played Bev for her. She smiled more than she has in long time !!
Thanks Tony for the video on Beverly Kenny. The first time I heard the commercial there was something about her voice that was captivating.I went on RUclips to see the commercial again and came across your video about Beverly. It was a sad ending to her life. The amazing thing is that one commercial can bring her music and her life back into the spotlight once again.
Thanks agin for the video!
Well done, Tony! A beautiful yet tragic tale. Only one word can adequately describe Miss Kenney's voice... supernal.
thankyou for your up Tonny, and be care for your health from Japan.
Thank you for this tribute. One of the most amazing voices I've heard. Such a beautiful lady. She must've been in so much pain. First time I heard her voice I fell in love with it.
Thanks for posting this!!
Excellent work on this story of such an amazing vocal talent, gone to this world way too early. Found this after hearing Ms. Kenney’s song on a recent tv car advertisement. Infinity, I believe.
An angelic voice. Thank the heavens.
Thank you for this. I'm definitely going to check her out.
Thank you so much for educating myself and others on this talented singer. After hearing her in the Lincoln commercial, I was compelled to find out more about her. My husband, a singer and trumpet player, hadn't heard of Beverly either. We both are now BIG fans. Going to go through my dad's album collection to see if he has any of her recordings. We are curious who found the recording to use on the commercial.
Like several others, I discovered Beverly Kenney from the Lincoln commercial.
I'm glad they chose her music to accompany their ad. Her voice is so beautiful.
Golly. Thats all I have to say. (as mentioned in another post) I searched the song looking for the rendition used in a recent car commercial; "It's A Most Unusual Day" and found her. Glad to see it's not just me! I too was taken when I heard her voice. I love local jazz, in particular women singers.Learning about her short life is so sad to know.
Wow! What a voice. Thanks for keeping her Legacy alive. You do such great work, Tony.
This was good. Thank you.
Brother - fantastic! Many thanks for your sincere efforts!
Such a tragic loss.
beautiful tribute. thank you.
Just lovely! Thank you Tony.
Thanks so much for producing and posting this. I "discovered " her while binging 1950s jazz vocalists on Amazon music.
I never heard of Beverly Kenny until today thanks to RUclips 🤔
Not a jazz follower but you are right, she has those magic qualities that should be recognised and the tragedy of her taking her own life not be dismissed. Its so sad that so many talented artists are not destined to stay with us and Beverly is another example....
I heard her first only recently on a podcast called Afterglow and like you, was stopped in my tracks. Her story, but even more than that, her voice, continues to haunt me. Thank you for your respectful tribute. I can't wait to listen to the longer episode you've posted!
Glad to have found this. Every time I hear the Lincoln commercial spot I tell myself to search for this version and singer. It has a such a classic mid-50's vocal style to it which I am huge fan of. Cant get enough of listening to her vocals. I recently discovered another relatively unknown vocalist named Lurlean Hunter. She has a similar style . I recommend checking her out on RUclips as well.
Thanks for this post. I'm hooked! She was such a passionate singer!!
Wow. Thank you a million times for making this. I too was immediately arrested by this singer's lovely voice, in the Lincoln commercial. Searching for the song led me here. I was also only familiar with "It's a Most Unusual Day" from hearing it sung badly on Seinfeld. What a goldmine, to discover this lovely performer, only so sad she had such a brief life. Thank you again for making this. 🌹
Thanks, your research is accurate and detailed. A sad loss.
I also was attracted to her voice seeing the Lincoln commercial. Thanks for your documentary. I listened to ten versions of Destination Moon and she is far and away superior to any other
I just discovered her beautiful voice from the Lincoln commercial.
In hindsight, it's clear that the once in history talent of lady Beverly Kenney was sadly lost due to a time when too many mental illnesses were as yet overlooked, misunderstood, stigmatized, and/or all of the above, in order to make a meaningful difference. Just imagine how much more musical magic could have come from this amazing woman were she afforded the thoughtful understanding and guidance that clearly became lost upon her. RIP sweet songbird!
We are so grateful to you Tony… what a great job you did with this video providing the scarcity of material. Like you I had never heard of her and just had to rush to my phone to Shazam what was being played on a tv commercial this morning… can’t even tell you what the commercial was so taken I was with that voice and delivery. Thanks Tony.
Thanks so much to you and Ford for shedding some light on this wonderful singer, lost to us too soon. So tragic that there was no help available for the pain she was in.
Best off luck on your tribute concert--hope it gets widespread distribution
I always loved her voice - but only recently learned how short & tragic her life was. A shame - what a talent.
Good job. Thanks
My all time favorite. I hope I can meet her when I die.
Indeed..and for me it would be to meet Walter Wanderley...
Now one of the reasons it is said, that Miss Kenney took her life was a deep hatred and disappointment that rock and roll had become the style of music in that day. What is eerie, is this: had she just hung in a few years longer, she'd have discovered bossa nova, which would have fit her voice like a velvet glove. And now, whenever I hear Stacey Kent, who bears a strong vocal resemblance to her, duetting with Marcos Valle....I am touched. And deeply saddened at what might have been....
Like others I heard the Lincoln commercial and like others I was captivated by Beverly's voice. I don't know much about jazz but I know what I like. So sad that her voice was silenced so soon. Her voice delivery and technique seem so 2020s that I thought she was a current singer. Again, so sad!
I also just heard Beverly Kenney in a commercial where she sang "It's a Most Unusual Day". The quality of her voice attracted me Immediately. That second, I had to find out who the singer was and was gladdened to have found her. However, now I'm saddened to learn about her life.
Tony, many thanks for a remarkable video about a sensitive human being!
I too became recently obsessed with this beautiful voice , her unique soothing tone and melodies. Thanks for putting together this amazing insight on Beverly. Btw..where is she buried, NYC? Would love to visit and pay respects. 🎸✌🏼