Chris Connor (born 8 November 1927, Kansas City, Missouri) is a jazz singer known for her distinctive style and expression. She was born Mary Loutsenhizer to her father Clyde, a telegrapher and violinist, and her mother Mabel. Connor studied and became proficient in the clarinet. [1] Connor joined the "Snowflakes", a vocal group of Claude Thornhill's band, and moved on to become Stan Kenton's lead singer. [2]