Kitty Kallen

Kitty Kallen (born Katherine Kalinsky, May 25, 1922) is an American popular singer whose career spanned from the 1930s to the 1960s – to include the Swing era of the Big Band years, the post-WWII pop scene and the early years of rock 'n roll.
The Inspiring Musical Journey of Kitty Kallen: A Look Into Her Best Songs and Genre
When it comes to the world of music, the name Kitty Kallen may not be a household name, but she was a trailblazer in her time. Her career spanned from the 1930s to the 1960s with her music transcending various genres. She was known for her elegant and captivating voice that captivated listeners throughout the different music eras. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into Kitty Kallen's musical biography, best songs, genre, famous concerts and some critiques.
Kitty Kallen was a native New Yorker, born on May 25, 1921. With a passion for singing, her career began early as she was discovered at age three by her mother's friend, who was a singer. By age 15, she had already recorded her first song Love for Sale, which paved the way for bigger things to come. Later, she became the vocalist for popular big bands such as Artie Shaw and Harry James. Kallen's music style reflects the mix of jazz, pop, and swing, which characterized the era of the '30s and '40s.
One of Kallen's best songs was the 1954 hit, Little Things Mean a Lot. The song remained on the top chart for nine consecutive weeks and sold over a million copies. The song perfectly reflects Kallen's vocals that synced beautifully with the song's lyrics, ultimately leading its success. Other great songs from Kallen include Besame Mucho, It's Been a Long, Long Time and If I Give My Heart to You.
Kitty Kallen was known for her beautiful voice and captivating live performances. She performed at many famous concerts, one of which was President Harry S. Truman's Inauguration Ball in 1949. She also headlined a live TV broadcast, The Pussy Cat Club in New York, where she performed live with other up-and-coming singers, solidifying her impact as a rising solo artist. Kallen's legacy continues as her songs are still evident in movies, TV shows, and even new music hits today.
In terms of genre, Kallen's music style varies from the beloved big band music of the 1930s and 1940s to the advent of more modern pop melodies in the 1950s. Her music emphasized the strength of ballads, her voice prevailing over and often carrying the arrangements of the time. Her talent for weaving in and out of genres made her a true pioneer for crossover music.
On the critical side, Kallen's incredible voice and elegance as a performer were recognized, but she faced a lot of sexist criticism that hindered her career growth. Many record company executives wanted her to stick to jazz, instead of pop, which lead to less fame and recognition as she transitioned towards contemporary pop songs.
In conclusion, Kitty Kallen's groundbreaking music career is one that should not be forgotten. She was a trailblazer for young singers aspiring to break into the music industry and was able to bridge the gap between various genres, creating a timeless catalog. Her legacy is still evident in the music we listen to today. Kallen’s story is truly inspirational, and her music is to be cherished forever.
In conclusion, Kitty Kallen's groundbreaking music career is one that should not be forgotten. She was a trailblazer for young singers aspiring to break into the music industry and was able to bridge the gap between various genres, creating a timeless catalog. Her legacy is still evident in the music we listen to today. Kallen’s story is truly inspirational, and her music is to be cherished forever.