Biography
Lorez Alexandria, born Dolorez Alexandria Turner on August 14, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, emerged as one of the most expressive and underrated jazz vocalists of the twentieth century. She began her musical journey singing gospel in church choirs and spent over a decade with an a cappella group before transitioning to jazz in the vibrant Chicago club scene. Alexandria quickly became a local favorite, performing at venues like the Brass Rail and the Cloister Inn, and recording for independent labels such as King and Argo Records in the 1950s. Her early recordings, including her debut album 'This is Lorez' with the King Fleming Quartet, showcased her rich, emotive voice and sophisticated phrasing, drawing critical comparisons to jazz greats like Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, and Ella Fitzgerald.
In the mid-1960s, Alexandria relocated to Los Angeles, seeking broader opportunities and soon became a featured vocalist at prominent clubs such as the Parisian Room and Marla's Memory Lane. Signing with Impulse! Records, she released acclaimed albums like 'Alexandria the Great' and 'More of the Great,' collaborating with top jazz musicians including members of Miles Davis's former rhythm section. Her style was marked by a remarkable ability to convey complex emotions, blending gospel roots with jazz sophistication, and her interpretations of standards and contemporary material alike were noted for their depth and originality. Despite not achieving widespread commercial fame, Alexandria's legacy endures through her influential recordings and the respect she garnered among jazz aficionados and musicians alike.
Fun Facts
- Before her jazz career, Lorez spent 11 years singing in an a cappella gospel group.
- Her album 'Deep Roots' featured legendary trumpeter Howard McGhee.
- She was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1984 for her album 'Sings the Songs of Johnny Mercer, Vol. III: Tangerine.'
- Despite her critical acclaim, Alexandria never achieved the commercial fame of her contemporaries, leading to her reputation as an 'underrated' jazz vocalist.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Gospel church choirs - Formative musical training and vocal development in her youth (N/A) [1930s–1940s]
Key Collaborators
- Walter 'King' Fleming - Pianist, composer, and bandleader who accompanied her on early recordings and debut album (This is Lorez (1957), Lorez Sings Pres: A Tribute to Lester Young) [1950s–early 1960s]
- King Fleming Quartet - Backing band on her debut album and other early recordings (This is Lorez) [1950s]
- Howard McGhee - Trumpeter featured on her album 'Deep Roots' (Deep Roots (1962)) [1962]
- Gildo Mahones Quartet - Los Angeles-based pianist and group supporting her on later albums (Sings the Songs of Johnny Mercer Vol. II: Harlem Butterfly, Vol. III: Tangerine) [1980s]
- Mike Wofford Quartet - Backing band on 'Sings the Songs of Johnny Mercer, Vol. 1' (Sings the Songs of Johnny Mercer, Vol. 1) [1980s]
- Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers - Members of Miles Davis’s former band featured on her Impulse! albums (Alexandria the Great, More of the Great) [1964]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary jazz vocalists - Her emotive phrasing and blend of gospel and jazz have been cited as influential by later generations, though specific protégés are not widely documented (N/A) [1970s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria The Great | 1964-01-01 | Album |
| More Of The Great | 1964-01-14 | Album |
| Deep Roots | 1962-03-03 | Album |
| Essential Classics, Vol. 625: Lorez Alexandria | 2025-01-24 | Album |
| Jazz for Two - Romantic Ballads for Valentine's | 2025-02-14 | Album |
| Talk About Cozy - A Distinctive Jazz Vocalist | 1995 | Album |
| From Broadway To Hollywood | 2011-03-16 | Album |
| For Swingers Only | 1963-03-31 | Album |
| Only Happy | 2019-03-22 | Album |
| Lorez Alexandria on King 1957-1959 - Plus Her 1954-1956 Blue Lake & Chess Recordings | 2019-06-01 | Album |
| Early Dolorez! | 2021-07-16 | Album |
| Lorez Sings Prez | 2005 | Album |
| Early in the Morning | 1960-01-01 | Album |
| Nature Boy | 2021-08-18 | Album |
| Anthology: The Deluxe Collection (Remastered) | 2020-10-03 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Give Me The Simple Life (Alexandria The Great)
- I've Never Been In Love Before (Alexandria The Great)
- Satin Doll (Alexandria The Great)
- Over The Rainbow (Alexandria The Great)
- I'm Through With Love (Alexandria The Great)
- But Beautiful (More Of The Great)
- The Best Is Yet To Come (Alexandria The Great)
- Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (Deep Roots)
- Nature Boy (Deep Roots)
- My One And Only Love (Alexandria The Great)
External Links
Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #gospel, #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Lorez Alexandria has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 25, 2025 | 16:57 | Baltimore Oriolefrom Sampler LP | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ T.R. Johnson |