1932-1960
Very little is known about the short, tragic life of this remarkable jazz singer. While there are a couple mentions of her being fun and outgoing, most of her friends described her as sad, melancholy, always in some kind of pain and "afraid of everything".
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Her voice and style, however, belied that description. She was praised by critics and singers alike and, to this day, her recordings can still draw a listener in with the warmth of her tone, the effortless grace of her phrasing and her fearlessness with a melody.
I have attempted to gather all the known information I could, including poring over hundreds of newspapers from the 1950s. I'm hoping this page can be a gathering place for any available information and that it can not only help to introduce her to a new generation of fans but also serve to tell her story. If you have any additional information, photos or content, please submit them using the button below. - Tony Guerrero
"It looks as if finally, a new voice of unmistakable jazz quality has appeared to take its place beside those of Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald … Beverly is beginning to arrive and she is displaying the kind of ability and potential that should enable her to stay a long time.”
- Barry Ulanov, Downbeat Magazine
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“(Kenney is) more flexible than Helen Merrill, swings more easily than Teddi King, and her musicianship and care for lyrics are far superior to Chris Connor’s.”
- Jazz Critic Nat Hentoff
”Looks to me that 1957 will really be her year. I dig her because, well, she phrases like mad. She sings in tune, too; matter of fact, she sings like a musician."
- Julie London, Singer
”A word to playboys: I would not recommend this album as Music to Make the Romantic Approach By. You're apt to get more interested in Beverly than the girl you're trying to impress.”
- Steve Allen’s liner notes to
“Beverly Kenney Sings for Playboys”
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"...could be tomorrow's big name.”
- Allan Gilbert, Jr., Editor
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“She was probably the pluperfect example of the very first major singer who came along just five seconds too late ...(a victim of) the tsunami of rock and roll..."
- Bill Reed, Writer
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“She’s a top bet for jazz rooms, there the crowds will go for her looks as well as her vocals”
- Variety, 1956
"...the kind of ability and potential that should enable her to stay a long time”
- Down Beat, 1955