JAM: February/March 2007 Issue: Feature Story

Happy 85th, Nancy!

By Laura Harman

On December 4th, Nancy Van Fleet performed at Jardine's for her birthday celebration with the energy and charisma that has kept music lovers coming to her shows for decades. She had the vigor and edge of a twenty-something as she kept her friends, family, and fans entertained with her classic jazz tunes and witty quips. Her beautiful voice, kind heart, and sassy humor kept the audience enraptured. They were happy to celebrate the beginning of her eighty-fifth year.

She was accompanied by Paul Smith on piano, Tim Brewer on bass, Donnie Van Fleet on drums, and Gary Sivils on trumpet. “She and I go back more than forty years,” said Sivils. “In the day, she was a killer. Still is. She would come to my gigs after her shows and jam with us. I called her Carmen the Second because she's as amazing as Carmen McRae. To this day, her nickname is Carmen.”

Paul remembers playing with Sivils in the 1960s when Nancy would sit in with them. “I was blown away by her presence and ability. She's a helluva singer, always has been. I love her spirit. The years haven't worn away at it at all. In fact, she's only gotten better.” He's one of many who is enchanted with her ability to grow old gracefully while maintaining her youthful outlook.

Mike Shannin, a long time fan, believes that “She helps change the perception of how seniors are viewed in our society. Nancy 's out partying more than some people half her age.” His wife, Joyce, says “ Nancy makes growing old look fun.” She's absolutely right. The crowd at her birthday celebration was able to see it first hand. She joked with the band and audience members alike throughout the evening while sipping on a gin and tonic.

Legendary jazz singer Marilyn Maye arrived during the second set. Nancy was touched that she came and invited her on stage to perform. Marilyn responded, “I came to hear you!”

“I know,” said Nancy slyly. “That's what I'm gonna do.” She sang “I Hear Music,” which she “learned from listening to Marilyn Maye's album.” When she finished the tune, Marilyn got on stage and sang “Happy Birthday” in a jazz waltz.

She praised Nancy as a singer and as a friend. “I love her spirit and the fact that she's still working and so fantastically. We've been dear friends for such a long time. I value her friendship.” Then Marilyn and the band performed an arrangement of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” that had everyone in the jazz club tapping their feet and swaying to the fabulous sound she is so well known for.

Lori Tucker

The Wild Women of Kansas City (Millie Edwards, Geneva Price, Myra Taylor, and Lori Tucker) were in the crowd as well. It was Lori's sixtieth birthday. Nancy insisted on bringing her to the stage and led the audience in wishing her a happy birthday. Lori sang a ballad with a power and emotion that left many guests with mist in their eyes and smiles on their faces. Before leaving, she said, “Nancy Van Fleet is one of the most generous and gracious people I know. I'm honored and privileged to share a birthday with her. She's honest, kind, and a great performer.”

Millie added that “ Nancy is the real deal. She has a big heart that comes through in her music and in her persona. Watching her perform is always a great experience. She goes beyond the music and puts her whole self into entertaining us.”

Nancy 's birthday cake was ablaze with eighty-five candles as everybody in the crowd sang to her. After blowing out her candles in one try, she told the audience that there was a collage of photos hanging on the back wall of the club that highlighted her music career. She was silent for a brief moment. Then, with her face contorted in confusion, she said, “Collage. That sounds dirty.” She looked inquisitively at the audience and asked “Doesn't it just sound dirty? I feel dirty saying it.” She gave another very short pause before saying, “It sounds so dirty I'm gonna say it again.” She did. The crowd erupted in laughter as the band started again and she mesmerized her delighted guests with more songs in her hip, yet genuine style. Nobody does it like Nancy —nobody.