Mrs. Antonette Milčetić (Helen's mother) on the left, is holding her oldest daughter Margaret in her hands, and with her son Johnny at her feet.

Dorothy's aunt Katie is holding her daughter Antoinette, and then come John and Georgie, Dorothy's cousins.

Many thanks to Mrs. Dorothy Milcetic for sending us this photo.

I read a comment Helen made about our mother Antonette, singing out her pain. My parents lost their first born son Johnny at 6 years old in a horrible and tragic accident. My mother actually never recovered from it and turned to religion and other things to ease her pain. We girls were not yet born except for Margaret who witnessed the tragedy. My mother missed her mother and father but returning to visit in those days was impossible. No flights and long expensive ships. One of the songs that haunts me that she sang was an Irish song, I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen. The words are very poignant for all immigrants. The other song was, Danny Boy also Irish. Helen was very much influenced by our mother in her interpretation in singing. Dorothy Milcetic

Hellen Merrill's father Frano Milčetić driving a New York tug-boat.

Photo by the courtesy of Mrs. Dorothy Milcetic, sister of Helen.

Helen's (and Dorothy's) sister Anna in Vantačići, a village on the island of Krk in Croatia, where their father Frano Milčetić went to school.

Just behind Anna are her cousin Ivan, Helen and Margaret. The church is dedicated to St. Magdelene, dating from 1500.
Anna was a model in New York for several years, before she married a Brazilian and moved to Rio.
Information and photo by the courtesy of Dorothy Milcetic.

Helen Merrill

Helen Merrill sings the Beatles: And I Love Him

Alan Merrill, the son of Helen Merrill, was distinguished rock guitarist and singer (The Arrows),

author of a well known tune I Love Rock 'n' Roll.

Alan Merrill (the son of Helen Merrill), Adam Peel, and Nenad Bach, 2011

"Helen Merrill" - A Timeless Debut in the Jazz Pantheon Introduction: In the vibrant tapestry of jazz history, certain albums stand as markers of brilliance, encapsulating the spirit of an era. Helen Merrill's eponymous debut, recorded in December 1954 and released in 1955, is undeniably one such masterpiece. This article explores the richness of Merrill's inaugural venture into the studio, her collaboration with trumpeter Clifford Brown, and the enduring impact of an album that seamlessly weaves together cool jazz and hard bop. A Pioneering Collaboration: Merrill and Brown Helen Merrill's debut is not only a showcase of her vocal prowess but also a testament to the collaborative magic between Merrill and the legendary trumpeter Clifford Brown. Quincy Jones, the acclaimed arranger and conductor, provided the backdrop against which Merrill and Brown could weave their musical narratives. Brown, having recorded a similar album with Sarah Vaughan just days before, brought his distinctive trumpet stylings to complement Merrill's vocals. In later years, Merrill paid homage to Brown, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in 1956, by recording a tribute album in 1995. This debut became a poignant marker of their brief yet impactful partnership. Reception and Critical Acclaim: The critical reception of "Helen Merrill" has been overwhelmingly positive, earning it a revered place in the jazz canon. Scott Yanow of AllMusic described the music as "essentially straight-ahead bop,"ť noting that Merrill and Brown elevated the seven standards with their musical presence. The album's unique charm lies in its fusion of cool jazz and hard bop elements, creating a distinctive stylistic blend. A 2007 reissue of Merrill's first two albums prompted David Rickert to declare the sessions as "a vocal jazz feast well worth deserving of more renown." He singled out the performance of "S Wonderful" as exceptional, emphasizing its status as one of the best renditions of the Gershwin tune in years. Exploring the Tracks: The tracklist of "Helen Merrill" reads like a journey through the Great American Songbook, each piece a testament to Merrill's interpretive finesse and emotional depth. From the soulful rendition of "Don't Explain" to the breezy "śYou'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," Merrill showcases her versatility. Notable is her interpretation of Mel Torm'€™s "Born to Be Blue," where she effortlessly embraces the sophistication of Torm'™s lyricism. The success of "Helen Merrill" is not solely attributed to Merrill and Brown. The ensemble, featuring luminaries like Jimmy Jones on piano, Barry Galbraith on guitar, and the rhythmic foundation provided by Milt Hinton, Osie Johnson, and Oscar Pettiford, played a crucial role. Quincy Jones, the arranger and conductor, brought his expertise to the table, contributing to the album's polished and dynamic sound. Legacy and Timelessness: "Helen Merrill" is not just a debut; it's a timeless piece of art that has transcended its era. The album's influence extends beyond its initial release, inspiring vocalists and musicians across generations. Merrill's ability to navigate between cool jazz's subtlety and the vigor of hard bop set a standard that resonates in the world of jazz vocalization. As we revisit the magic of "Helen Merrill," we find ourselves immersed in a world where vocals and instruments engage in a sublime dance. Merrill's debut, marked by its sophistication and emotional depth, remains a testament to the genius of collaboration and the enduring power of jazz to stir the soul. "Helen Merrill" is not just an album; it's a journey, an experience, and an everlasting gem in the mosaic of jazz history. References: Swenson, J. (1985). Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide. Random House. "Helen Merrill" album cover art. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Helenbrown.jpg Source https://jazzdaily.blog/2024/02/05/helen-merrill-a-timeless-debut-in-the-jazz-pantheon/ Don't explain Helen Merrill - Beautiful love - 1955 Helen Merrill - Essential Jazz Legends (Full Album / Album complet), 1:19:53 Helen Merrill: You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To [with Lyrics], 1978