Corky Hale, legendary jazz harpist, pianist, vocalist, and social activist, will sign copies of her new book, "Corky Hale Uncorked," on Wed., Jan. 16 at 7 PM at Book Soup in West Hollywood.
Written by Jerry Leichtling and Arlene Sarner, Hale shares her unique American success story, from a small mid-west town to a 50-year career with headline engagements at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and Royal Albert Hall.
Hale, who has been married since 1970 to songwriter Mike Stoller of the famed "Leiber-Stoller" team, was the only woman to ever play for Billie Holiday, including the historic "Stars of Jazz" TV show in 1957. In addition to her own solo shows, she has performed with such jazz and pop greats as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Peggy Lee, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Anita O'Day, June Christy, Benny Carter, Judy Collins, Roberta Flack, Melissa Manchester, Les McCann, Joe Williams, and Nat King Cole, Bjork, and George Michael.
She has played at the White House with Tony Bennett, soloed with Barbra Streisand in Central Park and at the Hollywood Bowl, performed with Bjork on her MTV special, and appeared with George Michael at the London's Royal Albert Hall and Washington, D.C.'s RFK Stadium. She and Michael also recorded a memorable version of "I Remember You" for his "Songs From the Last Century" album. She played harp for Liberace on his weekly TV show and at Madison Square Garden, and sang with the bands of Harry James, Ray Anthony, and Jerry Gray.
The original production of Leiber-Stoller hits, "Smokey Joe's Café," still holds the record as the longest-running revue in Broadway history and was recently revived. Hale and Stoller were also co-producers of "A Night With Janis Joplin" and Hale was an advisor to the Audra McDonald revival of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill." Among their many joint honors were an award from the California Jazz Foundation, and the naming of the Mike Stoller-Corky Hale Stoller Civil Rights Theatre in Montgomery, AL.
Book Soup is located at 8818 Sunset Blvd. The phone for information is 310-659-3110.
https://www.booksoup.com/event
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