Biography
Hailing from Tennessee as the daughter of a preacher, Julia Rich pursued a circuitous route before establishing herself as a jazz vocalist. After leaving a position as a singing waitress in 1980, she began performing regular club dates throughout Chattanooga. Bassist Eddie Edwards and Butch Cornell, longtime organist with Stanley Turrentine, were among her early associates; they steered her toward the recordings of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and additional jazz divas. Over time she absorbed the approaches of Carmen McRae, Johnny Hartman, and Bonny Raitt (the last for its earthiness) while shaping a personal approach to the vocal repertoire. Her major opportunity arrived in 1985 when she was engaged by the Glenn Miller Orchestra as “girl singer,” a role that kept her on the road forty-eight to fifty weeks a year across the United States and abroad. She remains with the ensemble, now also serving as road manager. Her debut album, I’ll Take Romance, appeared in June 1999. Self-produced, the date presents classic standards in direct fashion through Rich’s notably agreeable voice, supported by accomplished jazz players that include tenor saxophonist Ricky Woodard. A transparent tone, secure phrasing, and the capacity to connect with audiences via her grasp of each piece distinguish her performances. Additional recordings from Rich, ideally featuring a bolder selection of material than her first collection, would be welcome before long.
Albums
