Helen Forrest

With the passing of Helen Forrest (July 13), the wonderful era of the big band vocalists is further dimmed by time’s inexorable march. While most of my boomer contemporaries found meaning in the work of Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, it was Forrest’s soothing, crystaline vocals that touched my soul and explained my parents’ love for the big bands.

From “How High the Moon” to “I Remember You” and “All the Things You Are,” Forrest was the embodiment of the grand innocence and elegance of the greatest generation’s music. Among all the great lady vocalists of that time--Ginny Simms, Billie Holiday, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, Kay Starr and Peggy Lee--Helen Forrest will always top my chart.

BYRON De ARAKAL

Costa Mesa