And here it is. The chronicle of a death foretold. Back to the standards, and sounding more worldly-wise, but none the worse for that. Hard drugs and alcohol. A story as old as time. It would have been nice for her to see MLK, the moon landings, colour TV, maybe even Obama, but that might have been a stretch. Maybe if she'd have been properly clean living.

Just one more chance - I say a little prayer for you. Each night I go to bed. She sounds tired, which is understandable. And the slowed tapes probably alter the mood slightly as well.

It's an incredible body of work, that's for sure. As I look back on it, I haven't quite managed to sustain my initial joy for the whole of the catalogue. There were parts of it which just seemed too dark, too sad to totally immerse yourself in. I would definitely buy a copy of Lady in Satin, or Lady Sings the Blues, or Solitude even. Late night tales. Walking out to winter. A thing of great beauty.

Ultimately tragic but innately joyful. Thanks, Billie.