| Velma Middleton | |
|---|---|
Photo by Ralph F. Seghers |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Velma Middleton |
| Born | ca. 1917 |
| Origin | Holdenville, OK |
| Died | February 10, 1961 |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupations | Singer |
| Instruments | Voice |
| Associated acts | Louis Armstrong |
Velma Middleton (born ca. 1917, died February 10, 1961) was an American jazz vocalist born in Holdenville, OK, best known for having sung with Louis Armstrong's big bands and small groups. Born in Oklahoma, Velma later moved with her parents to St. Louis, MO. She was with Armstrong from 1942 to 1961, when she had a stroke in Africa on tour with him and died one month later in the Hill Station Hospital in Sierra Leone.
Middleton spent most of her career as Louis Armstrong's singer. She was originally a dancer and, although overweight, she often did splits on stage, even during her Armstrong years. Middleton had an average but pleasing and good-humored voice. After freelancing, including a visit to South America in 1938 with Connie McLean's Orchestra and performing as a solo act, she joined Louis Armstrong's big band in 1942, appearing on some Soundies with Satchmo.
After Armstrong broke up the orchestra in 1947, Middleton joined his All-Stars. She was often used for comic relief (such as for duets with Satchmo on "That's My Desire" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside"), and she did occasional features. Few jazz critics thought highly of her singing, but Armstrong considered her part of his family, and she was a constant part of his show.
She recorded eight selections as a leader for the Dootone label, in 1948 and 1951.