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Jazz Singer Rebecca Kilgore Passes Away at 76

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rebecca Kilgore, a jazz singer, died January 7 in Portland, Oregon, at age 76 due to Lewy body dementia.
Kilgore began her music career late, leaving Reed College as a secretary to join a swing-revival band.
She recorded for smaller labels and collaborated with songwriter Dave Frishberg.
Feinstein praised her as a significant interpreter of American popular song and noted her revival of Cole Porter works.

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Story summary

Rebecca Kilgore, a jazz singer, died January 7 in Portland, Oregon, at age 76 due to Lewy body dementia.
Kilgore began her music career late, leaving Reed College as a secretary to join a swing-revival band.
She recorded for smaller labels and collaborated with songwriter Dave Frishberg.
Feinstein praised her as a significant interpreter of American popular song and noted her revival of Cole Porter works.