Jo Stafford possessed one of the most distinctive voices of the golden age of popular song: cool yet warmly expressive, effortlessly precise and capable of bringing an intimate sense of personality to every lyric. The Very Best of Jo Stafford gathers together some of the performances that established her as one of America’s most admired vocalists, spanning sophisticated pop, traditional standards and the lighter side of the post-war songbook. Whether interpreting a romantic ballad or a gently swinging number, Stafford had an extraordinary ability to make a familiar song sound freshly discovered. Her immaculate phrasing was matched by a natural conversational quality, while the elegant orchestral and big-band settings provide the perfect backdrop for her voice. These recordings showcase an artist who understood that great singing is not simply about vocal power, but about timing, nuance and the ability to communicate a lyric with complete conviction. More than a collection of period favourites, this is a celebration of an enduringly elegant singer whose artistry remains as graceful and captivating as ever.

Track Listing

1. You Belong to Me
2. Allentown Jail
3. Come Rain Or Come Shine
4. On London Bridge
5. As I Love You
6. Make Love to Me
7. Shrimp Boats
8. Tennessee Waltz
9. I'll Be Seeing You
10. Whispering Hope
11. Teach Me Tonight
12. Jambalaya
13. Thank You For Calling, Goodbye
14. Ay-round the Corner
15. If
16. Keep It a Secret
17. Stardust
18. Hawaiian War Chant
19. If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time
20. Embraceable You
21. Every Night When The Sun Goes In
22. I Should Care
23. It Is No Secret
24. St. Louis Blues