Judy Argo

Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Judy Argo began singing in local clubs at the tender age of 15, her mother having to come pick her up after each gig. Moving to New York City at age 17, Argo was victimized first by drugs and alcohol and then by an abusive marriage. These personal setbacks forced her to forego her singing career. It wasn't until the late '80s that Agro began to recover and not until the '90s that she returned to performing. After successful stints at such New York clubs as Tavern on the Green and Danny's Skylight Room, Argo was honored in 1995 with the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs' Best Female New York Debut Performer. Rosemary Clooney and Annie Ross have also been awarded this prize. Argo then performed in London at the Pizza on the Park and at the Café Royal. Her album, True Love Ways, was released by Sterling Records in 1995. On this album with her is an all-star cast of performers, among them Gerry Mulligan, Jay Leonhardt, Marvin Stamm, Ray Brown, Toots Thielemanns, Houston Person, and her longtime accompanist, the under-valued Mike Renzi. She also worked with Duke Pearson and drummer Akira Tana. Argo's style, while strictly hers, was in the tradition of Peggy Lee, Carol Sloane, Sue Raney, Ella Fitzgerald, and Anita O'Day. Judy Argo died quietly in her sleep on March 29, 2004. She was one of the more consistent interpreters of those musical gems which make up the Great American Songbook. ~ Dave Nathan, All Music Guide