t important member of any group with which they work. It is not surprising that O'Day's most important relationship has been not with family, friends, or lovers, but with her drummer, John Poole, who was with her for over 35 years. O'Day explained the importance of such musical relationships, and revealed a great deal about her very focused commitment to music, when she wrote of her first important relationship, with drummer Don Carter;
Musical intimacy is on a completely different plane--deeper, longer-lasting, better than the steamiest sexual liaison. Passion wears out, but the longer you work with a really rhythmical, inventive, swinging musician, the closer you become (O'Day and Eells 59).
O'Day was learning at this time. Carter taught her music basics, including piano and drum. Working with other musicians was also teaching her a great deal about improvisation. When Down Beat editor Carl Cons opened his Off-Beat Club O'Day was chosen to open it with Max Miller's Quartet. Her description of the performance gives a fascinating insight into
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