Johnny Hartman

Though he was never the most distinctive vocalist, Johnny Hartman rose above others to become the most commanding, smooth balladeer of the '50s and '60s, a black crooner closely following Billy Eckstine and building on the form with his notable jazz collaborations, including the 1963 masterpiece 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman.'

Born in Chicago, July 3, 1923, he began singing early on and performed while in Special Services in the Army. Hartman studied music while at college and made his professional debut in the mid-'40s, performing with Earl Hines and recording his first sides for Regent/Savoy. After Hines' band broke up later in 1947, Hartman moved to the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band and stayed for two years, recording a few additional sides for Mercury as well.

Johnny Hartman's first proper LP came in 1956 with 'Songs from the Heart,' recorded for Bethlehem and featuring a quartet...

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Johnny Hartman Albums

5 records

Albums featuring Johnny Hartman

3 records