[Deathwatch] Toshio Oida, Japanese jazz singer, 78

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

Thanks to a loyal reader for sending this - Ed.

Obituary: Toshio Oida

Jazz singer Toshio Oida died from kidney cancer Tuesday in a Tokyo
hospital, his family said. He was 78.

Oida, a pioneer among Japanese jazz singers, gained fame as a vocalist
for bands, including Stardusters. He was especially known for his
versions of standard numbers by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.

Born in Berlin, Oida also costarred in the film "Arashi wo yobu otoko"
("The Man Who Ignites Storms") in 1958 along with the late movie star
Yujiro Ishihara.

His wide variety of work included roles in musicals and television
dramas, hosting music programs on TV, and critiquing jazz.

The Japan Times: Sept. 3, 2003