Carmen McRae (1920-1994) was an American jazz vocalist and pianist known for her smoky contralto voice, impeccable timing and behind-the-beat phrasing. Voted Best New Female Vocalist by Down Beat in 1954, she recorded extensively for Decca, Columbia and Concord. She recorded tribute albums to Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk and Sarah Vaughan, collaborated with Louis Armstrong and Dave Brubeck, and performed at major festivals worldwide for over fifty years.