Jo Stafford was my absolute favorite of the female pop singers of the 1940s and '50s and even the '60s -- at least until Joan Baez hit the scene. There was a nostalgic and wistful quality to her voice that still relaxes me unbelievably whenever I put on her music. When she was backed by the orchestra conducted by her husband, Paul Weston, it was truly magical.

And she did a 78 rpm record album of folk songs that was simply sublime. This was later released on Capitol Records on a fine LP---but I can't find it on CD yet. Paul Weston did wondrous arrangements for his wife! Indeed, his all orchestra/big band albums of that era were extremely hip with great jazz musicians as personnel. He hired the best.

Jo's version of "SHENANDOAH" and "He's Gone Away For To Stay A Little While" really transported me. I often lifted and re-set the phonograph needle just to hear those two songs over and over.

And her Capitol LP of Scottish songs was pretty fine too.

I knew that Paul Weston passed away a few years ago, but I'm glad to know that Ms Stafford continues on. Be sure to wish her my best salutations tomorrow when she attains the age of 90! So very many loved her "sound" and her music through the years.

This old unabashed folk singer really enjoyed most everything she did in spite of my professed preference for trad folk music here in these threads.

Jo, Happy Birthday!

Art Thieme
Peru, Illinois