Anita Kerr, born Anita Jean Grilli on October 13, 1927, in Memphis, Tennessee, was an influential American singer, arranger, composer, conductor, pianist, and music producer. She passed away on October 10, 2022, in Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland. Kerr was a pivotal figure in the creation and popularization of the Nashville Sound, a style that blended country music with pop sophistication.

Kerr began her musical journey in Memphis, where she took piano lessons at the age of four and later played the pipe organ and arranged vocals for her church choir. By fourteen, she was leading the Grilli Sisters vocal group. In 1948, she moved to Nashville with her husband, Al Kerr, where she organized a vocal quintet that evolved into the Anita Kerr Singers. This group became renowned for their harmonies and played a significant role in shaping the Nashville Sound.

The Anita Kerr Singers gained prominence by performing on Red Foley's 1950 hit "Our Lady of Fatima" and became regulars on the Grand Ole Opry. They worked with producers like Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley, contributing to hits by artists such as Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, and Brenda Lee. The group's lush vocal arrangements helped country music reach a broader audience and counter the rising popularity of rock and roll.

In 1961, Kerr became Chet Atkins's recording assistant at RCA, where she further honed her skills as a vocal group leader and arranger. She later moved to California, where she expanded her career by writing soundtracks and recording albums. In the 1970s, Kerr relocated to Switzerland with her husband, Alex Grob, and continued her work in music by opening a recording studio.

Throughout her career, Anita Kerr's contributions to music were significant, as she helped to elevate Nashville's status as a music center and expanded the artistic possibilities for country music. Her work left a lasting legacy on the music industry, influencing countless recordings and artists.