This album is a compilation of Carmen's songs from her works previously released on Decca and Kapp Records.

All tracks were selected by jazz musician and journalist Leonard Feather and approved by MacRae.

Among the most striking songs he noted: "Good Morning Heartache", "Something to Live For", "Yardbird Suite", "Isn't It Romantic", "I Was Doing All Right", "Perdido" and "Baltimore Oriole.

"[1] The Cash Box magazine wrote the following: "The title of this album may be open to question since one would need much more than these 32 tracks to constitute the greatest of Carmen McRae, but much of this would certainly warrant inclusion.

Varied accompaniment, with everything from big band to solo guitar represented.