This Sunday, 28 July, the BBC Proms will host a special tribute to the legendary jazz vocalist, Sarah Vaughan, marking the centenary of her birth. This star-studded event, Prom 13: "Sarah Vaughan: If You Could See Me Now," promises to be a captivating evening, celebrating the "Divine One's" exceptional legacy.
A Night of Jazz Extravaganza
The concert, broadcast live on BBC Four at 7:30 pm, will feature a diverse array of talent, showcasing Vaughan's enduring impact on the music world.
Joining the BBC Concert Orchestra, renowned for its versatility, are prominent figures in the jazz scene. Guy Barker, an accomplished English jazz trumpeter and composer, will lend his expertise to the performance. Adding further depth to the evening are American actor and writer Clarke Peters and acclaimed singer and actress Marisha Wallace.
The evening will be hosted by the familiar face of Clive Myrie, BBC newsreader and presenter, whose presence adds a touch of familiarity to the Proms.
Celebrating The "Divine One"
Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990) reigned supreme as one of the most beloved and influential jazz singers of the 20th century. Her powerful voice, earning her the nickname "The Divine One" or "Sassy," earned her critical acclaim and two Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. Vaughan's remarkable talent even drew comparisons to opera singers, with jazz legend Betty Carter suggesting that with proper training, she could have reached the heights of celebrated American soprano, Leontyne Price.
Sarah Vaughan's Timeless Music
Among her vast and impressive repertoire, Vaughan is perhaps best known for her renditions of timeless classics such as "Send In the Clowns," "Broken Hearted Melody," "If You Could See Me Now," and "Passing Strangers." Her interpretations of "That Lucky Old Sun," "Black Coffee," and "Loverman" are equally celebrated. She also immortalised "Summertime" from George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" and "The Nearness of You," leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
Clive Myrie: A Proms Regular
This evening's Prom is one of four concerts at the 2024 BBC Proms that Clive Myrie will present. He previously hosted the First Night of the Proms on Friday, 19 July, featuring rising pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, conductor Elim Chan, and the BBC Singers.
Following tonight's performance, Myrie will return to host Prom 36 on Friday, 13 August, which will include Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and incidental music from Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He'll conclude his Proms duties by hosting Prom 46 on Sunday, 25 August, featuring Holst's magnificent cosmic suite "The Planets."
Tickets for the Event
Tickets for "Sarah Vaughan: If You Could See Me Now" are priced between £11 and £54. For those who wish to experience the Proms in the traditional way, there's always the option to join the queue on the day as a Prommer, hoping to secure a last-minute ticket.
This special tribute to Sarah Vaughan promises to be a memorable evening, honouring the legacy of a true jazz icon. With a stellar line-up of performers and a celebration of her timeless music, Prom 13: "Sarah Vaughan: If You Could See Me Now" is an event not to be missed.
