Grammy-nominated singer Sue Raney signed her first record deal with Capitol Records in 1958 at the young age of 17. Now 73, Raney is still recording music and performing concerts. She began her career as a country music performer before progressing in style to the Great American Songbook (music from Broadway and Hollywood) and eventually into her own as a jazz singer. In the 1990s, Raney sang with the L.A. Voices and Supersax as well as The Bill Watrous big band. On Saturday, March 29, Raney will travel from California to perform at the Valentine Theatre with the Toledo Jazz Orchestra for "Hollywood Comes to Toledo." The City Paper had the chance to ask her about the challenges of rehearsals, her favorite songs to sing and her love of the live performance.
Have you performed before at the Valentine?
No, I haven't. I performed in Toledo years ago at a small club, but I can't remember the exact venue. I am really excited to perform and work with the Toledo Jazz Orchestra, though!
Are there any other shows scheduled besides Detroit and Toledo?
Those are the only two in that direction! [laughs]. I'll play the Jazz Cafe in Detroit on Friday and then it is off to Toledo on Saturday. After that, I go back home to California and I will perform in Carmel at a fundraiser for Doris Day, who I have recorded a tribute album for.
How much preparation will go into this show? Are there lots of rehearsals or can you perform on the fly?
There has been sheet music all over my floor for weeks. At the Valentine, we are going to perform two whole sets of music with an intermission. I've put together some songs that I performed a long time ago and some stuff that is more recent. But for the older stuff, I put it on tape to make sure I remember how to sing it properly! It's important to get it fresh in the mind again if you haven't performed the material for a few years.
Do you have any pre-show warm-ups or rituals?
I take a tape recorder with me, and I have my voice exercises on tape. I also teach, so I know how important it is to warm up your voice. So that is a ritual that I go through that is not only good for my voice, but also gives me the confidence to perform at my best.
Are there any particular songs you are really excited to perform in Toledo?
I've got one that I like to do that appeared on one of my first records called "How About Me" that is really challenging vocally. I also have a couple arrangements by Patrick Williams, such as "Living the Canary Life," that I really enjoy performing.
Do you prefer live performance or recording for an album?
I really feel comfortable in the studio because I had a jingle company a few years ago where I did a lot of studio work. You can go in with your jeans on and your old shoes and just be comfortable. But performance is also very rewarding. I sometimes get a little overwhelmed before going onstage, even after this many times. But there is something that happens onstage between the performer and the audience—when you feel the warmth of the people—it is an experience unto itself. I kind of like them both!
Sue Raney performs "Hollywood Comes to Toledo” with the Toledo Jazz Orchestra at the Valentine Theatre Saturday, March 29 at 8pm. $22-$32. 410 Adams St. 419-242-3490.valentinetheatre.com
