Corky Hale Publishes New Book, Set For Annenberg Concert Dec. 21
By: Julie Musbach Nov. 14, 2018
Legendary jazz harpist-pianist-singer Corky Hale, who has performed with some of the greatest stars in music history, as well as been a pioneering social activist, is publishing a new biography this month, "Corky Hale Uncorked," written by Jerry Leichtling and Arlene Sarner. With her usual no-hold-barred candor, 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. She will be seen on Friday, Dec. 21 at the Wallis Annenberg Center For the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, CA, sharing the stage with her daughter-in-law, singer Tricia Tahara, in an evening called "The Two Mrs. Stollers."
Hale, who has been married since 1970 to songwriter Mike Stoller of the famed "Leiber-Stoller" team, was one of Billie Holiday's last accompanists, including the "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.
Hale and daughter-in-law Tricia Tahara will perform a new concert program, "The Two Mrs. Stollers," at the Annenberg on Friday, Dec. 21 at 7:00 PM. The theater is located at 9390 Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills. The phone for information is 310-746-4000.
"Corky Hale Uncorked" is available now on Amazon.
Book information:
Annenberg Concert Information:
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