"A persuasive band singer, Kitty Kallen never got the sustained record label support she needed to maintain a longterm solo career. She also was a wife and mother and put her family first, so that figured in too. Here's a collection which proves that with a band or solo she is a delightful vocalist with a lovely, pert voice; distinctive style; and starpower! As a person, Kitty has always been well-liked in show business; she's down-to-earth, very bright and has charm to spare. This collection finally gives her the recognition she has long deserved and you will love it!"
Excellent set of this talented singer
01/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kitty has a wonderful voice, and this is a excellent collection of her recordings. Highly recommended to anyone, whether you are into Big Band/Pop, or not."
Excellent as an overview or introduction to Kitty!
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 09/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't think enough attention has been paid to one of the finest singers America has been fortunate enough to have. This two CD set gives the listener a great introduction (or retrospective, for seasoned fans) to Kitty's work. While I agree with the reviewer who writes that the collection of songs is a bit heavy on the latter part of Kallen's career, I believe it is an excellent collection nonetheless.
There are three songs Kitty sang with Jimmy Dorsey and his band ("When They Ask About You," "They're Either Too Young Or Too Old," "Besame Mucho.") which prove that Kallen was a real trooper since the liner notes indicate that she didn't always like working with Dorsey. The two CD set has 23 top 40 hits--very impressive. It's truly unfortunate that her health problems sidelined her way too much of the time.
I recommend this two CD set for her fans as well as the newcomer who wants a superb introduction to her fine work. The liner notes are well written and include photographs as well. PLEASE! Get this set! It's an excellent addition to your CD collection! GRIN"
A nice overview of a great artist
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 04/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As the sultry songbird on the steamy WWII Harry James chart-topper, "It's Been A Long, Long Time," Kitty Kallen was one of the best-known and most adored big band singers. She did alright for herself as a solo artist as well, racking up several Top 40 hits until a bout of psychosomatic mic fright left her unable to sing for several years in the late 1950s. Later, after a brief early '60s comeback, other health problems permanently prevented her from continuing as a performer, sadly sidelining one of the purest voices American pop had heard in its formative heyday. This 2-CD set covers the breadth of Kallen's career, starting with her best-known hits from the early '40s, then topping those off with a perhaps-too-generous helping of later recordings, including several remakes of wartime favorites, rearranged in the '50s and '60s. This collection is definitely too light on her early work, but still pretty nice for anyone who wants to appreciate Kallen as a stylist in the pop vocals era, and it generously gathers material from several different labels. A nice set, certainly worth checking out, especially with the inclusion of some highly informative and entertaining liner notes that feature extensive interview quotes from Kallen herself... who was quite a character!"