On April 3rd, 1990, jazz singer and composer Sarah Vaughan departed this earthly life. She was 66 years old. Sarah Vaughan was born on March 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey. She took her first piano lessons at age 7, and began singing in the church choir at age 10. By the time she was 15, she had begun performing with local bands. In 1943, Vaughan won an amateur talent contest with Billy Eckstine and his orchestra. This led to her signing a recording contract with Columbia Records. Sarah Vaughan enjoyed international fame as one of the most celebrated vocalists in jazz history. She released some 20 albums in the 1940s, earning the nickname “Sassy” for her vibrant vocal style. Her hallmarks were her powerful, low-pitched alto, improvisational scat singing, and ability to interpret a song with her voice. Notable songs include “Misty” and “Send in the Clowns”. In addition to her solo recordings, Vaughan sang with jazz greats like Miles Davis, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald. She was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1981 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989. She is survived by her long time companion, Carl Kuhn, her brother and sister, and a legion of admirers. Her music will live on forever in the hearts of jazz aficionados the world over.