CARPENTER, Imogen

Imogen Carpenter, born Mary Imogene Carpenter, was an American pianist, singer, actress and songwriter. Born on 2 February 1912 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, she studied piano in Chicago and initially pursued a career as a concert pianist. She later performed as a singer and pianist in nightclubs, theatres and radio programmes, and appeared in several Broadway productions, including Ziegfeld Follies of 1943 and Mexican Hayride.

Carpenter wrote primarily American popular songs intended for vocal performance, rather than classical concert music. She frequently collaborated with songwriters such as Lenny Adelson and Kim Gannon. Her best-known songs include “Anytime, Anywhere,” “Born to Sing the Blues,” “She Always Knows,” “Say So” and “If Winter Comes.” Her music was recorded by prominent performers including Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey and Sammy Davis Jr. Carpenter died on 24 March 1993 in Los Angeles.