Paula Haliday was born in North Carolina, in the town of Hobgood, where she graduated from the Andrew Jackson High School as an ambitious seventeen year old, whose aspirations led her to becoming a jazz-singer. She acquired the gospel-like quality of her versatile voice singing in the church choirs of her hometown as a soloist. The recognition she received gave impetus to her already powerful desire and driving ambition to emulate her heroine and idol —“Lady Day.” Even though she never tried to imitate Billie, Paula does sound a great deal like her. In her first and only album, recorded in 1960, Paula Haliday freed her voice from every inhibition and emotional restriction. Accompanied by an excellent quintet, she projects, she croons, she swings. There are some noteworthy solos sprinkled through the set, particularly by pianist Don Abney —which make HALIDAY SINGS HOLIDAY a veritable musical experience as well as a tribute to the great Lady Day.

—Jordi Pujol (From the liner notes of FSRV 128)