One of the many celebrated figureheads of the swing and cool jazz movement in the '50s, June Christy contributed much to the genre, lending her impressive vocal talents to songs that would be immortalized in wax and become favorites in the record collections of many fans of classic pop and jazz.

Born Shirley Luster in 1925 in Springfield, IL, she learned to sing at a young age, impressing listeners while performing in a local society band. She changed her name several times throughout her early career, moving to Chicago in the '40s and christening herself Sharon Leslie, then taking Anita O'Day's place as the vocalist for the Stan Kenton's Orchestra (changing her name to the now recognized June Christy). Lending her bright, poppy vocals to the band's songs, June Christy's career really took off while working with Stan Kenton and his band. They scored some major classic hits with songs like "Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy," "Tampico" and "How High the Moon."

Sadly, the band broke up in 1948, scattering its members. Christy found steady work in the busy nightclubs, showing off her vocal skills live before returning to the recording studio with Kenton in 1950 in the newly organized Innovations in Modern Music Orchestra. The four-piece orchestra traveled the country, gaining Christy more exposure. At the same time, she recorded her debut record, 1955's Duet, which proved to be a favorite among her fans.

The album essentially kicked off the begining of the vocal cool musicians, climbing into the Top 20. A slew of other hot albums would follow. The Misty Miss Christy, June Christy's follow-up in the same year, proved to also be a top seller, also climbing up into the Top 20 and earning her the fame she had worked for years to achieve.