Rebecca Kilgore: Disappearing into the song * Oregon ArtsWatch

"By now you've probably heard - one of the greatest modern-day interpreters of the American Songbook, beloved Portland-based vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, has died. On January 7, at age 76, she finally succumbed to the Lewy Body Dementia that had forced her to withdraw completely from performing and recording more than two years ago. But what a wonderful career she had. She released more than 50 albums as a leader or featured guest, including four definitive projects with the witty singer, songwriter and pianist Dave Frishberg."

"She performed several runs at Feinstein's at Lowes Regency in Manhattan with the Harry Allen Quartet, as well as with pianist Michael Feinstein himself. As the years went by, she performed more frequently at Trad Jazz festivals, on Jazz Cruises, and at events such as the San Diego Jazz Party, where she was named a "Jazz Legend" in 2016. She was a member of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and the Jazz Society of Oregon Hall;"

""Rebecca is simply one of the best interpreters of The Great American Songbook," Feinstein said. "In a world of pretenders, she's absolutely the real thing. I love what she does!" So did her fellow Portland artists. No matter who she played with or what the setting - country, early swing, or American Songbook material from the 1930s and '40s - three essential qualities always stood out: the sonorous clarity of her voice; her impeccable musicianship; and her modest, friendly demeanor."

Rebecca Kilgore died January 7 at age 76 after Lewy Body Dementia that had forced her to stop performing and recording more than two years earlier. She released over fifty albums, including projects with Dave Frishberg, and performed at Feinstein's in Manhattan and at festivals and jazz events such as the San Diego Jazz Party. She was named a "Jazz Legend" in 2016 and was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and Jazz Society of Oregon Hall. She hosted a KMHD radio show, appeared on NPR and Prairie Home Companion, and performed at Carnegie Hall. Colleagues praised her sonorous voice, impeccable musicianship, and modest, friendly demeanor.

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