With her whisper-soft delivery, clear phrasing, and slow, spare playing, pianist and singer Shirley Horn was one of the most enjoyable and distinctive jazz artists of the last century. Her career read like a Hollywood movie: A young musical genius is discovered by a jazz legend (Miles Davis), but postpones major stardom to raise a family, only to emerge in her mature years as a superstar on her own terms. She was the queen of silence and anticipation – the personification of Miles’ famous quote about the importance of what you don’t play. Says bassist Christian McBride, “The way she could sustain suspense, control emotions, and lead you to that peak. That’s one of the most masterful things an artist can do.” 

As part of the Peabody Award-winning documentary series “Jazz Profiles,” this episode about Shirley Horn was produced in 1999 by Margot Stage and narrated by the show host Nancy Wilson. 

The “Jazz Profiles” shows – nearly 200 of them – are part of the Tim Owens Jazz & Broadcast Collection at the University of North Texas Music Library. In a partnership with Tim and UNTML, we’ve picked a handful of noteworthy shows to share with you. You can find more “Jazz Profiles” shows at the UNT Music Library’s Jazz Syndicate (www.library.unt.edu/jazzsyndicate), and learn more about 32 Bar Blues' clothing collection and commitment to the arts at 32barblues.com