Bel-tone Recording of Solitude

[jboger]

Remember that early 1960's song called "Suspicion" sung by an Elvis Presley sound-alike? Well, I've been going through my 78s and found a Bel-Tone recording of "Solitude," a great song with music by Ellington and lyrics by one of the Mills brothers. Well, Billie Holiday recorded that song, but not on Bel-Tone, a label from the late 40s. Someone by the name of Valaida Snow sings it, a name new to me. But what an imitation of Billie! Snow's got her down pat. Still, it makes me wonder. Wouldn't you really want to develop your own sound? Anyway, you never know what you find on these small labels.

[Cody K]

She wasn't just a singer -- she was the Queen of the Trumpet, and had a life story that makes you wonder why and how she's so little-remembered now. Here's a short but good biography on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6e7ye-fiJA

Great that you found that record in your collection!