Helen Merrill

US jazz vocalist (* 21 July 1929 in New York City, New York, USA). Her parents Antoinette and Frank Milčetić were Croatian immigrants from the island of Krk in the Adriatic Sea. Her first album, the eponymous 1955 release Helen Merrill, was an immediate success and associated her with the first generation of bebop jazz musicians. After a prolific 1950s and '60s when she recorded with Charlie Parker and Clifford Brown, Merrill spent time recording and touring in Europe and Japan, falling into obscurity in the United States. In the 1980s and '90s, a contract with Verve Records and high-profile performances in America returned her to prominence. Noted for her emotional, sensual vocal performances, her career continues in its sixth decade with concerts and recordings. Married to Aaron Sachs (1948–1956, divorce). Married to Torrie Zito (c.1992-2009, his death).