Margaret Whiting

by Ron Wynn
 
Margaret Whiting was a dominant pop singer in the 40s and 50s, though whether shes a jazz vocalist is often in question. She had a clear, striking voice and the kind of quasi-innocent sensibility that worked on such songs as It Might As Well Be Spring and Moonlight in Vermont. Some would question if she was an improviser, or had the kind of timing, sense of swing, and fluidity that defines the genuine jazz or jazz-influenced singer. The daughter of composer Richard Whiting, her run of hits began in the early 40s when she was featured on radio shows, singing with composer/vocalist Johnny Mercer. She was later a prominent vocalist with the bands of Freddie Slack, Billy Butterfield, and Paul Weston. She had three huge hits in 1948 with Now Is the Hour, A Tree in the Meadow, and Far Away Places, then teamed with Jimmy Wakely for another top hit in 1949, Slippin Around. She and Wakely were a very successful team for a time. Whiting had a comeback of sorts in the early 70s, appearing on a Cavalcade of Bands tour with the groups of Bob Crosby and others.