Dakota Staton was an influential American jazz vocalist known for her rich, emotive voice and dynamic delivery. Born in 1930, her career spanned several decades, with her most popular work, "The Late, Late Show," reaching the top of the Billboard chart in 1957. Staton's style was characterized by her unique blend of jazz, blues, and R&B, and she was celebrated for her ability to bring a narrative lyric to life. Despite her significant contributions to the genre, Staton remains somewhat under-appreciated in the annals of jazz history.