Carol Ventura (1939 – March 5, 2010) was a little known Jazz singer who cut two LPs for Prestige in the mid-1960s.
This Newark-born lady came from a musical family. Her father was a vaudeville performer, her mother a singer, her brother a drummer. Carol did her singing apprenticeship by working with a few bands every chance she had during her years at Barrington High School. Her first professional job was with a local band led by Johnny Anello She also sang with Charlie Spivak's band. Traveled across the country, and to Europe. When Keely Smith left Louis Prima’s orchestra Carol was chosen to replace her.
Carol appeared in top clubs in Miami, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and also in the East. She recorded the odd single here and there, for a few labels, including Capitol. As far as albums go, she made only two, both of them released on Prestige Records: After Carol! (1964) and I Love to Sing! (1965). Mixed among the well-known tunes, there are some completely unknown songs, some of them written by major songwriters. Described by Downbeat Magazine at the time as "a female Frank Sinatra," the song choices on her albums reflected a more modern sensibility than the typical jazz vocals of the day.
Recently, a double-sided acetate, which was recorded at Regent Sound Studios was put up for auction.. By comparing the label to similar acetates from the studio, it appears that it was made in the mid-late 60s. The eleven-track disc was likely a demo made by Ventura to attract the interest of other record companies. Carol Ventura Sings, which was printed on the label, may have been the working title. The track listings seem to be a collection of standards, which might have been easier to acquire/record than the more modern selections on her first two albums.
Although Carol had no formal training and could barely read music, her instinct for the right sound was unerring. She polished her style by singing music of all kinds and with different tempos, making everything she sang hers and hers alone, But sadly Carol's music career never took off beyond her commercially released 1960s albums. Liner notes indicate that she was studying acting and dancing, with a view to becoming a Broadway stage performer.
Those dreams do not seem to have been realized, either as the vibrant, smoky-voiced singer fell into obscurity. If word of mouth is true, this New Jersey native wounded up living in the streets, due to mental illness. She allegedly needed to be medicated, and would take to a homeless life on those occasions in which she stopped using medication. She is said to have passed away at a senior home on March 5, in 2010.
(Edited from Steve Hoffman Music Forums, LP liner notes & Heritage Auctions)