Back on vinyl for the first time in decades, Hello, Dolly!, Louis Armstrong’s unforgettable collection of songs and standards (including the chart-topping title track) introduced the jazz icon to a new generation of fans. On February 15, 1964, the single “Hello, Dolly!” entered the Billboard charts at #76. Twelve weeks later on May 9, 1964, “Hello, Dolly!” knocked The Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” from the top spot. In doing so, it ended fourteen straight weeks of Beatles’ #1s. The Hello, Dolly! album itself, though, was an even bigger hit than its title single. Spending an amazing 74 weeks on the chart, the album was certified gold and sat at #1 on the album chart for six weeks, easily being the artist’s biggest hit album ever. The album and single also completed the tradition of Armstrong from jazz giant to a worldwide popular music icon. As Satchmo himself said at the time, “It sure feels good to be up there with those Beatles.”

Recorded in 1962 at Van Gelder Studio, Empathy is a rare and inspired collaboration between two jazz giants, Bill Evans and Shelly Manne, who receive joint billing. With Manne’s bassist Monty Budwig completing the trio, the album showcases Evans in a lighter, more freewheeling setting than his usual trio work. The result is a lively, free-spirited set that swings from the playful ‘The Washington Twist” and “With A Song In My Heart” to the beautifully expressive “Danny Boy.”

In the early 1960s, Ella Fitzgerald and arranger Nelson Riddle reunited in the studio to produce two legendary albums of standards for Verve Records — Ella Swings Brightly with Nelson and this classic, Ella Swings Gently with Nelson. Recorded at the peak of her vocal powers, and mostly featuring standards from the 1930s including “I Wished On The Moon” and “I Can’t Get Started,” the album marked her evolution from singing star to cultural icon.

Stan Getz recorded The Steamer only a year after his classic album West Coast Jazz. But Getz’s sound had traveled a light year in that time, and the tenor saxophonist truly found his voice on this record; he conveys melody with an astonishingly broad palette of tonal color. His approach to his quartet had also evolved since his earlier combo dates. There is a great deal more responsiveness not only within the rhythm section but in its reaction to Getz, and vice versa. The Steamer marks an important turn in Getz’s long and winding career.

Recorded in 1955 and released in 1958, Stay With Me captures Billie Holiday in the later years of her career, still commanding deep emotion and her signature storytelling prowess. Backed by an all-star ensemble - including trumpeter Charlie Shavers, clarinetist Tony Scott, and drummer Cozy Cole - Holiday delivers a striking set of seven songs including “I Wished On The Moon,” “Always” and “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.” A standout session from her later recordings.