Not long ago, Tony Welch, historian and long-time member of the Portland (OR) Dixieland Jazz Society, interviewed jazz and gospel singer Marilyn Keller. Ms. Keller, who was making one of her regular appearances in Portland with the Black Swan Classic Jazz Band, spoke freely about her life in music and her experiences as a performer.
Tony Welch: Your business card is titled “Vocal Instrument,” which implies that you regard your vocal cords as a musical instrument—in a sense detached from your body as would be a clarinet or trombone. If so, would you describe the relationship?
Marilyn Keller: I dubbed myself a “Vocal Instrument” because vocal cords were actually mankind’s first instrument. I realized very early the relationship between my body, the air we breathe, and my determination to be creative. I took private lessons and was given speech therapy to rehabilitate and protect the only Instrument I will have in this lifetime—my voice. I therefore must not damage it through misuse or carelessness. Replacements are not to be found on the internet.
TW: At what early point in your life did your elders conclude that Miss Keller’s vocals were ready for public display? Or perhaps you came to this conclusion a step ahead of them?
MK: I was fortunate to grow up in dynamic surroundings. We were encouraged to sing in church, at school and during play time. Much of wha
