Joya Sherrill was an influential American jazz vocalist and children's television show host, born on August 20, 1924, in Bayonne, New Jersey. She began her illustrious career at the young age of 17 with Duke Ellington's band in 1942, after impressing him with her rendition of "Take the 'A' Train." Sherrill became a favorite of Ellington, who considered her one of his preferred singers. She contributed to the band until 1946, when she left to marry Richard Guilmenot, although she continued to collaborate with Ellington on special occasions.

Sherrill's career included a significant 1962 tour of the Soviet Union with Benny Goodman, marking her as the first American jazz singer to perform there. This tour was notable for a controversial performance of the Soviet song "Katyusha," which drew criticism for its perceived inappropriateness.

In addition to her musical career, Sherrill hosted the children's television show "Time for Joya," later known as "Joya's Fun School," from 1970, which was rerun until 1982. She also hosted a live television program in Iran during the mid-1970s.

Sherrill's discography includes albums such as "Sugar and Spice" (1962), "Joya Sherrill Sings Duke" (1965), and "Black Beauty: The Duke in Mind" (1995). She performed with notable musicians like Ray Nance and Rex Stewart and appeared on several television programs, including those hosted by Ed Sullivan and Jack Paar.

Joya Sherrill passed away on June 28, 2010, in Great Neck, New York, from leukemia. Her legacy as a jazz vocalist and television host remains celebrated in the music and entertainment industries.