Body and Soul

Eddie Jefferson

Eddie Jefferson (August 3, 1918 – May 9, 1979) was a celebrated jazz vocalist and lyricist. He is credited as an innovator of vocalese. (Jefferson himself claims that his main influence was Leo Watson), a musical style in which lyrics are set to an instrumental composition or solo. Perhaps his best-known song is "Moody's Mood for Love", though it was first recorded by King Pleasure, who cited Jefferson as an influence. Jefferson's songs "Parker's Mood" and "Filthy McNasty" were also hits. more »