Description
Sarah Vaughan – Sarah Vaughan’s Golden Hits – Vinyl Record
Released in 1958, Sarah Vaughan’s Golden Hits is a compilation album that beautifully showcases The Divine One’s remarkable talents, collecting some of her most beloved recordings from the 1940s and 1950s. By the time this album came out, Sarah Vaughan was already considered one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, renowned for her stunning vocal range, impeccable phrasing, and rich, velvety tone. This compilation serves as a perfect introduction to Vaughan’s early career, blending jazz standards, romantic ballads, and pop-infused torch songs into a timeless listening experience.
Vaughan’s voice was often described as an instrument unto itself, with incredible flexibility, a deep sense of swing, and a gift for both technical precision and emotional depth. Whether scatting like a horn player, stretching a single word into a haunting moment, or caressing a ballad with smoky sensuality, Vaughan made every song uniquely her own. On Golden Hits, her pop crossover material from the mid-50s sits alongside more jazz-rooted pieces, offering a well-rounded view of her versatility and charisma.
Notable Tracks & Highlights
“Misty” – One of Vaughan’s signature songs, her interpretation of Erroll Garner’s classic ballad is simultaneously intimate and majestic, weaving delicate emotion into every note.
“Whatever Lola Wants” – This sly, flirtatious number from the musical Damn Yankees sparkles with Vaughan’s sense of humor and dramatic flair, proving she could handle Broadway material just as deftly as jazz standards.
“Broken-Hearted Melody” – A rare pop hit for Vaughan, this song blends her jazz sensibility with a catchy, almost novelty-pop hook, demonstrating her crossover appeal.
“Autumn in New York” – One of Vaughan’s most atmospheric and evocative recordings, her voice wraps around Vernon Duke’s elegant melody with dreamy melancholy.
“Make Yourself Comfortable” – Smooth, playful, and sexy, this tune highlights Vaughan’s gift for phrasing, as she bends and caresses each syllable with effortless control.
“Summertime” – Vaughan’s take on the Gershwin classic is sensual, smoky, and haunting, proving her ability to transform even the most familiar standards into something deeply personal.
“Eternally” – A gorgeous ballad that leans toward the pop torch song tradition, Vaughan imbues it with grace and aching beauty, making it feel cinematic.
“It’s Magic” – From the moment Vaughan sings the first line, it’s clear she can make romance feel larger than life, turning this song into a lush, orchestral showstopper.
While not a studio album with a cohesive artistic vision, Sarah Vaughan’s Golden Hits is an essential document of her prime commercial years, capturing both her jazz artistry and her successful forays into pop and show tunes. This dual mastery made Vaughan unique—she had the technical brilliance to dazzle jazz purists, but also the warmth and charisma to charm mainstream audiences.
The compilation helped cement her popularity among a broader audience, introducing her to listeners who might have first encountered her through the pop charts. For many fans, Golden Hits was their first introduction to Sarah Vaughan, and it remains a gateway album for discovering her genius.
Sarah Vaughan’s Golden Hits captures a moment when jazz and pop overlapped, when a truly extraordinary voice could bridge those worlds without compromise. It’s a perfect snapshot of her versatility, charm, and sheer vocal brilliance. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or just discovering the classic vocalists, this collection is a must-hear, not just for what it represents historically, but because every note Vaughan sings still feels alive today.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Misty
Broken Hearted Melody
Make Yourself Comfortable
Autumn In New York
Moonlight In Vermont
How Important Can It Be
Smooth Operator
Whatever Lola Wants
Lullaby Of Birdland
Eternally
Poor Butterfly
Close To You
