Beverly Kenney: Vocalist in Distress

Beverly Kenney recorded seven albums between 1955 to 1959. She had a singing voice that was a cross between Blossom Dearie and Marilyn Monroe, but her approach on songs was courageous, taking risks on melodies that made her interesting to hear. What wasn't evident from her publicity photos—showing a poised, attractive and seemingly upbeat woman—was her depression. Kenney suffered terribly at a time when medications for mental illness were barely effective or were powerfully strong. Those who suffered often were left with a terrible choice—take the pills and remain unable to function or fend for yourself. The latter, of course, came with a terrible risk to their well-being. At age 28, Kenney took her own life by consuming a bottle of prescription medicine.

Here's the documentary...