“I was born in Albany but got out as soon as I could. I knew New York City was my thing because that’s where I had run always away to; it was a different city than it is now. Back then it was affordable, dirty, dangerous and fun.

I was 19 and wanted to sing. I sang with an old school jazz orchestra, did the showcase thing. Played The Bushes and Ruskay’s on the Upper West Side, a little joint in the village, Seventh Aven...