Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

KRAL, Irene

(b 18 Jan. '32, Chicago; d 15 Aug. '78) Singer, sister of Roy Kral of Jackie and Roy. The sort of singer of popular songs who is admired by all the others, with a rich, rather dark voice and flawless intonation. She worked with Woody Herman, then Maynard Ferguson; recorded for UA '59 with a band led by Al Cohn; sang on Laurindo Almeida's Grammy- winning Guitar From Ipanema '64; made Better Than Anything with Junior Mance trio '63, now on Fresh Sound; Wonderful Life on Mainstream '65, then We're In Love '74 and Gentle Rain '77 on Choice, duos with Alan Broadbent on piano (the latter, recorded live, now on Just Jazz CD); as well as Kral Space '77 on Catalyst, with Broadbent