Jazz vocalist and recording artist. An article in a 1957 issue of ‘Pub’ magazine touted her return to performing: “Housewife Returns To Her Love Of ‘Singing The Song’ – Popular Singer Lists Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, And Billie Holiday As Her Favorite Stars”
“Returning to the jazz scene after a year of devoting her time to rearing two lovely children and being a housewife, Margie (Schaeffer) Weaver, is making a comeback in the grand style of a real trooper.”
“The former TV songstress stated in a recent interview that a singer has to be really sincere in order to convince an audience or themselves that they are doing a good job. Margie is not too enthusiastic over many of the top named female singers, even though record companies are releasing LP’s by the dozens and are claiming them to be prima donnas.”
“According to Margie her favorite singers are Frank Sinatra, Herb Jeffries, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and the Hi-Lo’s.”
“In making a critical appraisal of jazz instrumentalists, Margie prefers Miles Davis, trumpeter; Horace Silver, piano; and Count Basie’s orchestra. Al Cohn and Zoot Sims are among her favorite tenor saxophonists.”
“Margie is very active in local jazz circles here in Baltimore. She is featured every Sunday in sessions sponsored by the Baltimore Jazz Society at the Hillcrest Tavern.”
“Much of her success is due to constant encouragement from her husband, Jimmy Weaver, pianist with the popular Pacesetters, and Vernon Welsh, guitarist [Vernon was later a co-founder of Baltimore’s Left Bank Jazz Society].”
“She started her professional career singing with a vocal group called the Overtones. Later, she joined the Charlie Ventura unit after the exodus of Jackie Cain and Roy Kial (ed note: Charlie Ventura 1916-1992 was tenor saxophonist and bandleader from Philadelphia). She has made records with the Jerry Trotta [Orchestra] for Discovery Records. Most of her professional coaching was received from Lillian Mann, vocal coach now teaching in Hollywood, California.”
“Current plans for the young, sultry, warbler includes a limited engagement at a Washington, D.C. club and several tentative bookings in the Baltimore area.”
Margie performed at The Red Fox Room. A 1957 ad showed her with all-star backing band of Count Lantz (vibes), Fred Thaxton (piano), Howard Kelly (drums), and Monty Poulson (bass).
Record release by Jerry Trotta & his Orchestra:
1952(78) Discovery 160 Don’t Worry About Me (v. Margie Schaeffer) / Amigo Mio
