Miss Pat Healy (1927-2020) was born in Cleveland but at age 22 she went to live with her mother in Los Angeles. Although she dreamed of becoming a singer as a child, she spent years filling various jobs before having the courage to make impromptu appearances at some local night clubs beginning in the mid-1950s. Finally in summer 1957 encouraged by pianist Joe Marino, she quit her job and soon emerged as a praised and applauded singer, winning her first professional contract as a guest vocalist on the live television program, hosted by Bobby Troup, Stars of Jazz, where, on September 2, 1957, she appeared accompanied by the Paul Bley Trio As a consequence of her performance, Pacific Jazz Records president Dick Bock offered to sign her with his newly renamed World Pacific Records label, in line with Bock’s announced policy of expanding the breadth of its repertoire. According to Bock, the decision to change the name of the label was made to facilitate the firm’s entry as a full-line diskery, in the popular album field.

Bock arranged two recording sessions for Pat at Capitol Tower Studios. The first, on October 10, with an intimate approach to the arrangements and direction of cellist Fred Katz, and the second, on November 14, with the Joe Marino quartet. In both scenarios she revealed herself as a vocalist with clarity of sound, style, sensitivity and the ability to sing difficult songs with the right accompaniment, resulting in her distinctive album, Just Before Dawn, the first and only one she recorded.

Between both recording sessions, Pat was very active, appearing in a couple of concerts, which under the title “Jazz Showcase ‘58” were held in October 15 and 17. The first at College of Pacific Conservatory on campus in Stockton, and the second at the Reseda High School Auditorium. Pat Healy’s performances were accompanied on both dates with the Bud Shank Quartet, and the Claude Williamson Trio. In Reseda, the program included trumpeter and bandleader Shorty Rogers.

Also before her second recording session for World Pacific, on November 4, Bobby Troup once again invited her to appear on Stars of Jazz, accompanied by the orchestra led by trumpeter Keith Williams. This time, Pat performed a standard, “Blue Moon”, and a new song, “I’ve Got It Again”.

Just Before Dawn was released in late April, 1958, and considering the songs she sings, far from giddy or light-hearted, and her admitted preference for them, Pat had an ear for good lyrics and the right voice to interpret them. The album was very well received by critics

The Cash Box review of the album, dated June 14, said: “An individual, finely phrased voice makes its debut on World Pacific on a program of eleven neglected gems. Backed by a lush, but effectively arranged orchestra, Miss Healy intelligently picks up from obscurity such items as Rodgers-Hammerstein’s “Boys and Girls,” Jerome Kern’s “You Never Knew About Me,” “Nobody Else But Me,” and Gershwin’s “Isn’t It A Pity?” Generally wistful vocal colorings that ought to get around.”

Miss Healy was acclaimed by critics as a vocal stylist “whose sensuous song artistry makes a good tune even better.” Downbeat declared: “Pat Healy sings lovely, literate lyrics with understanding and taste; sings intelligently and perceptively, with considerable warmth.”

On August 18, 1958, Bobby Troup once again introduced Pat, on Stars of Jazz. This time, she sang accompanied only by her favorite pianist Joe Marino, the classic “They All Laughed” and one of her most heard sides, “Siren Song.”

After this initial stage, in the spring of 1959 Pat signed for the Dot label, which intended to introduce her to the field of pop songs of the moment. She recorded a single that had some encouraging reviews: of “Bill Haley Won’t You Please Come Home,” Billboard said in June: “A very attractive reading of the great tune.

Thrush has smart phrasing, and she’s backed by a swingy, relaxed backing.” And of “Ever Since You Went Away,” it just said: “A ballad sung warmly. Side has a chorus and modified triplet backing.”

In October 1959, she sang at the Crescendo and in November, she was a featured attraction in the new Keyboard supper club in Beverly Hills. Later in December she appeared on the popular Jack Paar Tonight Show, where she introduced her new single. Despite the promising omens, sales were not as expected, and the single went almost unnoticed. As a result, Dot did not record it again although, far from being discouraged, Pat would continue singing within the jazz environment, in which she felt, not only identified, but also respected and valued.

For a period of time, she still played with jazz musicians, as she did at the concert, titled “Jazz ‘60,” with Shorty Rogers and his Giants that, on Monday night, October 17, opened the program for the University of Arizona Artist Series, in the University Auditorium. For the first time in his hitherto outstanding career, Rogers introduced a female singer to augment his concerts in Southern California.

In subsequent years, with the rise of rock music, Pat withdrew from the scene and her activities are unknown. This CD presents the only known recordings of this neglected song stylist’s brief career.

In 1972, Pat moved from Los Angeles to Point Reyes Station, CA, leaving behind her only marriage and a career in show business. She owned restaurants in West Marin and was known for her vibrancy, community involvement and strong will.

She retired in 2005 and Pat died on December 8, 2020. She was 92 years old.

—Jordi Pujol (From the inside liner notes of FSRCD 1128)