Beverly Kenney 10 Interesting Facts

1. Before entering the mainstream music scene, Kenney taught herself to sing jazz by listening to albums and touring small venues.


2. started off as a birthday singer She worked for Western Union singing “Happy Birthday” over the phone to clients before her breakthrough.

Trumpeter and bandleader Jimmy Archey found her while she was performing in bars, which launched her career. Big Band Leader

4. Refined Rock ‘n’ Roll—She hated rock and roll, once penning a sarcastic song called “I Hate Rock and Roll” in opposition to its rising appeal.

Working with jazz greats like Johnny Smith, Ralph Burns, and Ellis Larkins, Kenney highlighted her talent with some of the top players of the day.

6. Appreciated by Other Musicians Especially jazz pianist and vocalist Blossom Dearie loved Beverly Kenney and praised her voice quality.

7. Brief TV Stardom—She appeared on well-known shows, including The Steve Allen Show, which broadened her following.

8. A Cult Following Kenney never became well-known in her lifetime, but among jazz aficionados her songs have developed a loyal following.

9. Tragic Early Death—At just 28 years old, she committed suicide in 1960 allegedly from sadness and an industry that did not fully appreciate her ability.

10. Ten years after her death, her records were found, republished in Japan, and greatly sought after by collectors, therefore sparking once more interest in her work.