Martha Tilton

Known to her fans as “The Liltin’ Miss Tilton,” Martha Tilton was one of the most memorable big-band singers of her time and enjoyed a full-time career that spanned more than 20 years. And the Angel Sings is a 20-song collection that covers her entire career, which began with Jimmy Dorsey back in 1935 (she died last year at the age of 91). Tilton was most famous for her work with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, including her signature song “And the Angel Sings” and what is arguably the definitive take on “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen”—both included on this retrospective. Tilton also recorded with luminaries such as Gene Krupa (former Goodman drummer and later band leader in his own right), Artie Shaw and Les Paul. I first discovered Tilton through her performances at the legendary Benny Goodman Carnegie Hall concert and was dumbstruck by the sweet clarity and expressiveness of her voice. If you pick this disc up, you will be, too.