Dakota Staton

Biography

Dakota Staton was born on June 3, 1930, in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began singing at a young age, entertaining neighbors and performing with her sisters, and later took classical voice lessons at the Filion School of Music. Her professional career started in her teens when she joined the Joe Westray Orchestra, a leading Pittsburgh band, and soon she was performing in jazz clubs across the Midwest, including Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and St. Louis.

Staton's big break came after moving to New York in the early 1950s, where her performances at Harlem's Baby Grand club caught the attention of Capitol Records producer Dave Cavanaugh. She signed with Capitol and quickly rose to prominence, winning Down Beat magazine’s 'Most Promising Newcomer' award in 1955. Her 1957 debut album, 'The Late, Late Show,' featuring arrangements by Van Alexander and trumpet by Jonah Jones, became a significant hit, with the title track reaching number 4 on the charts and remaining in print for over a decade. Staton's style was marked by her rich, soulful vocals and a blend of jazz, blues, and R&B influences, drawing comparisons to Dinah Washington and admired for her ability to cross genre boundaries.

Though never achieving the widespread fame of some contemporaries, Staton remained a respected and influential figure in vocal jazz for decades. She continued recording and performing into the 2000s, inspiring a generation of African-American female vocalists who sought to blend jazz sophistication with popular appeal. Staton's legacy endures through her dynamic recordings and her impact on the evolution of jazz and soul singing.

Fun Facts

• Dakota Staton was also known by the Muslim name Aliyah Rabia after converting to Islam during her marriage to trumpeter Talib Dawud.
• Her debut album, 'The Late, Late Show,' was so successful that it stayed in print for over a decade, a rare feat for a jazz record in the rock and roll era.
• Staton won Down Beat magazine’s 'Most Promising Newcomer' award in 1955 before her first album was even released.
• Her older brother, Fred Staton, was a jazz saxophonist, and she began performing for neighbors as early as age seven.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dinah Washington - Major stylistic influence; Staton modeled her emotional jazz-blues style after Washington. (General influence, especially in phrasing and repertoire) [1940s-1950s]
• Joe Westray - Band leader; Staton sang with his orchestra early in her career. (Live performances with Joe Westray Orchestra) [Early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Dave Cavanaugh - Producer and arranger; discovered Staton and signed her to Capitol Records. (The Late, Late Show (album)) [1950s]
• Van Alexander - Arranger; provided jazz arrangements for her debut album. (The Late, Late Show (album)) [1957]
• Jonah Jones - Trumpeter; featured on her debut album. (The Late, Late Show (album)) [1957]
• Talib Dawud - Jazz trumpeter and husband; collaborated personally and musically. (Live performances, marriage) [Late 1950s]

Artists Influenced

• African-American female jazz and soul vocalists - Staton's blend of jazz sophistication and pop accessibility influenced later generations. (General influence on vocal approach and repertoire) [1960s onward]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. When Lights Are Low (Time To Swing)
2. Willow Weep For Me (Time To Swing)
3. Misty - Remastered (Great Ladies Of Song / Spotlight On Dakota Staton)
4. I Hear Music - Remastered (Great Ladies Of Song / Spotlight On Dakota Staton)
5. (It Will Have To Do) Until The Real Thing Comes Along (Time To Swing)
6. Moonray (An Invitation)
7. I Hear Music (Precious & Rare: Dakota Staton)
8. In the Night (Precious & Rare: Dakota Staton)
9. Say It Ain't So, Joe (Dynamic!)
10. The Song Is You (Time To Swing)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia