Shirley Horn

"For this album, I just wanted to have a little taste of yesteryear," writes Shirley Horn in the liner notes to The Main Ingredient, her latest release on Verve. Her wish came true when she assembled a dream team of musicians in her Washington home last summer. Each cut on the album holds a special place in Ms. Horn's heart. The veteran musician chose some songs for the composer, others in homage to the original recording artist, and still others for sentiment. The Main Ingredient marks Shirley Horn's eighth recording for Verve. Prior to her first release in 1988, the four-time Grammy nominee managed to care for her family in Washington, D.C. while performing locally and recording albums and sound tracks for several different labels. Her albums have been chart-topping, record breaking Billboard successes. Critics have praised her, saying that hers is "the most romantic voice on the planet right now" and that she is "as smooth, soulful, and romantic as ever." Since 1988, Shirley Horn has been on an incredible and sometimes reluctant ride. She keeps going on because, for her, music is an essential element of life.

   Horn Discography

The artist profiles on these pages were excerpted from the Carnegie Hall Tribute program. We present them here in an effort to recognize the artists that keep the music of Lady Ella alive through their repertoire.