“Twisted” by Annie Ross

Annabelle Short aka Annie Ross was born in London in 1930 to two Scottish vaudevillians. After spending most of her childhood in show business she changed her last name to Ross and decided to establish a singing career.

In 1952, Ross met Bob Weinstock (Prestige Records owner) who asked her to write lyrics for a single. The next day she handed him lyrics that perfectly fit saxophonist Wardell Gray's composition of the same name.

“Twisted” is a satirical take on insanity and psychoanalysis and is one of the funniest songs ever recorded. This is the original version and features legendary musicians Percy Heath on bass and Art Blakey on drums.
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Ross passed away last week, two days shy of her 90th birthday. She was most known for her work with Lambert, Hendricks & Ross and helping to establish “vocalese”,  but she also had success as a soloist and actress.  She was a truly trailblazing and talented woman who will be missed.