Jerri Winters

Jerri Winters was born circa 1930 in Terre Haute, Indiana, a town once known for its' vibrant jazz scene during the 1930s and 1940s. Active since the 1920s, it introduced locals to new styles of popular music. == Career ==

Winters began her career in 1948 when she won top honors in Horace Heidt's Youth Opportunity Program, a national radio talent contest broadcast on NBC that scouted young performers for prizes and professional opportunities. Each person who performed their own song would win $5000 and a chance to tour as a singer with Horace Heidt's band. She toured with Kenton's band, performing at various venues. Following her brief tenure with Stan Kenton's orchestra, Winters transitioned to solo work by establishing herself in New York City's East Side nightclub scene, in venues that suited her distinct vocal style and silky, dusky timbre, earning her the nickname, "The Girl with the Mink-Lined Voice". Downbeat Magazine critiqued her vocals as having a "good sound" and that she "phrased well". Winters retired from performing in 1969, marking the end of a nearly two decade long career. In 1981, she made a brief comeback, singing in various jazz clubs in Los Angeles. She continued performing until 1984, where she quit performing altogether. == Personal life ==

In the 1950s, Jerri Winters married jazz trumpeter Willie Thomas (1931-2019), whom she met during their involvement in the New York jazz scene. The marriage lasted for 7 years, coinciding with Winter's partnership with the Al Belletto Sextet. Willie served as the trumpet player for the band. After her official retirement from performing in 1984, little is known about her life thereafter; with her presumably living a private life. ==Discography==

Albums • ''Winter's Here'' (1955, Fraternity Records) • Somebody Loves Me (1957, Bethlehem Records) • Winters Again (1962) 45 RPM vinyls • Cigar Box/Weekend Blues (with Dan Belloc and his orchestra; 1957) • Clay Idol/A Kiss From Your Lips (duet with Dick Noel, conducted by Dan Belloc and his orchestra; 1956) • ''I'm Afraid to Love You/This is our Song of Love'' (arr. Mundell Lowe, final solo vinyl record July 1962; Parker Records) With Stan Kenton • All Because of You (arr. Johnny Richards) February 24, 1952 • Cinderella (arr. Johnny Richards) February 24, 1952 • ''Don't Worry 'Bout Me'' (arr. Pete Rugolo) February 24, 1952 (with Helen Carr, Chris Connor and Kay Brown) • ''She's A Comely Wench'' (arr. Johnny Richards) March 18, 1952 • Yes (arr. Johnny Richards) February 24, 1952 Compilation albums • ''Kenton's Girl Friends'' (1973 LP) • ''Winter's Here/Love in a Midnight Mood'' (2 album CD; Jerri Winters, Genie Pace, vocalists, 2024; Fresh Sound Records) • ''Stan's Singers'' (2004 CD) • The Complete Capitol Studio Recordings of Stan Kenton 1943-1947 (1995 CD) ==References==