As I was researching for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" by Lanie Robertson, I began to fully understand just how much Billie contributed to jazz- how much she lived through her songs and how her songs came to life because of her unique phrasing, voice and spirit. I miss her... of course I never met her, but I miss her. She had so much more to give... if only life had taken better care of her.

I think many people think of her as I did - stuck in the '30s & '40s - but she was so close to the new sounds of music like the explosion of Motown, Rock & Roll and the continuing evolution of jazz. I couldn't help but hear her voice on a young Barry Gordy tune or to the music of Burt Bacharach.

So, here they are... my interpretations of 8 songs written between 1959-1965 in Billie's essence. I hope you are able to sense Billie's spirit through these songs as I did in creating this CD.

I humbly submit to you: If Only... Billie Unsung

Note: To purchase this CD, simply click on the PayPal logo to the right.


- With love,
- Thomasina