... he died on March 21, 2005 from leukemia.
Robert Waltrip "Bobby" Short, was born in Danville, Illinois, is best known for his interpretations of songs by popular composers of the first half of the 20th century including Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Noel Coward and George and Ira Gershwin. He also promoted African-American composers of the same period such as Eubie Blake, James P. Johnson, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.
Press links below to view You Tube video performances:
Short always said his favorite songwriters were Ellington, Arlen and Kern, and he was instrumental in spearheading the construction of the Ellington Memorial in his New York City.
Short worked in night clubs in the 1940s. In 1968 he was offered a two-week stint at the Café Carlyle in New York City, to fill in for George Feyer. Short became an institution at the Carlyle, as Feyer had been before him, and remained there as a featured performer for over 35 years.
Bobby his talent for presenting worthy unknown songs while keeping well-known songs fresh; his infectious good cheer; and his resolute, self-disciplined professionalism – earned him great respect and made him tremendously popular. Bobby Short was generous with his impromptu all-night performances at his various favorite cafes and restaurants. He was a regular patron at Ted Hook's Backstage, located at Eight Avenue and Forty-Fifth Street.
In 2000, the Library of Congress designated Short a Living Legend, a recognition established as part of its bicentennial celebration.
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