She was a jazz singer known for her sultry interpretations of classic songs.

Carol Sloane, a jazz singer who won early acclaim, then disappeared only to re-emerge decades later with a late-career resurgence that brought her fresh recognition as one of the world’s finest song stylists.

She was among the last singers to come up in the big-band tradition of jazz and swing and at one time was seen as an heir to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and her idol, Carmen McRae.

Carol Sloane died Monday at a senior care centre in Massachusetts from complications of a stroke.

She was 85.