Crystal Joy was born in Montreal to Trinidadian parents. She began singing at an early age in Maine, and later learned to accompany herself on piano. When her family moved to Boston, she was offered the intermission gig at the Hi-Hat club, circa 1952. Crystal pursued her career with determination, working in the clubs of Miami, Boston and New York.

In 1959 she came to the attention of Steve Allen, who invited her to sing on his television show. After appearing on Allen’s show, he offered her to record an entire album of his own songs. The result was THE FABULOUS CRYSTAL JOY. Her singing has a jazz feeling, with a voice that is true, lyrical and emotional, and a style that romps at up-tempos while still showing smooth authority on ballads. Throughout the entire program, she pays special attention to the frequent mood changes of the material, and receives some intelligent support from Don Elliott’s quintet. Their skill, coupled with Crystal’s sheer excellence, makes this an album that can be listened to again and again.

—Jordi Pujol (From the liner notes of FSRV 119)