Shirley Eikhard

Rare indeed is the singer who can write their own material, material of the quality that professional songwriters can turn out. There are songwriters who sing, of course, and many prove not to be the most able interpreters of their songs. It would seem natural for singers to dabble in songwriting, but not all that many do. Some do have a way with words and have had the ability to compose excellent lyrics to some of jazz's best instrumental solos. But who was the last singer who was also a consummate songwriter? Peggy Lee comes to mind, or perhaps Mel Torme.