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Helen Humes

US jazz and blues singer. First recordings 1927. Replaced Billie Holiday as lead vocalist w. Count Basie's Orchestra in 1938. Solo artist 1940's to 1960's before withdrawing from music for several years. Comeback in 1973 at the Newport Jazz Festival and remained musically active until her death. Born: June 23, 1913 // Louisville, KY , United States Died: September 9, 1981 // Santa Monica, CA , United States