Jazz breaking news: Leading Jazz Singer Forced To Cancel Edinburgh Fringe Festival Run
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Jazz singer Barbara Morrison has cancelled her 15-night run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe festival following the amputation of her leg as a result of complications brought on by diabetes.
Michigan-born, California-based Miss Morrison began her career working as a backing singer with jazz and rhythm ‘n’ blues legend Ray Charles and has appeared with many jazz and blues legends including Dizzy Gillespie, Etta James, Jimmy Smith, Tony Bennett and Mel Torme and was a vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra and Doc Severinsen’s Big Band. She made her Scottish debut at Henry’s Jazz Cellar in Edinburgh just over a decade ago and has regularly returned to Scotland for headlining appearances. She was awarded a Herald Angel award by The Herald newspaper for her outstanding performances at the Fringe two years ago.
Miss Morrison was due to appear at The Outhouse in Broughton Street Lane, from 5-21 August. The venue will now host a series of fund-raising concerts from 5-14 August featuring local jazz musicians and Barbara Morrison admirers including singers Todd Gordon, Edith Budge, Hamish McGregor of Fat Sam’s Band and Chris Clark. Proceeds including the £10 entry fee and the bar takings will be forwarded to Miss Morrison. Lillian Boutte, who was due to follow Miss Morrison at the venue later in the Fringe, has agreed to extend her visit and will now appear from 15-28 August. Miss Morrison is being fitted with a prosthetic limb and plans to to be back in action as soon as possible.