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Bobby Short, Still Holding Court at the Carlyle

Singer and pianist Bobby Short has one of the most distinctive voices in the music world, and for 37 years he's been holding court in one of the most distinctive jazz venues around -- the Cafe Carlyle in Manhattan.

He and his ensemble play jazz standards -- think Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington -- with a high-class polish and enthusiasm. But earlier this year, Short announced that this would be his final run at the Carlyle.

Fans and newspaper columnists loudly objected, and last month the 80-year-old Short changed his mind. NPR's Tavis Smiley talks to the legendary entertainer at his home in Manhattan's Upper East Side, where he was playing tunes at his piano.

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