@slaw and @tomic601, I was fortunate enough to have been invited to an industry-only event at the Sony offices in L.A., promoting T Bone Burnett's then current album (The Criminal Under My Own Hat). His wife Sam Phillips was with him, and he had her sing a song on her own, though she was on a competing label (Virgin). She sings in an almost whisper---very soft, gentle, and vulnerable. She's the kind of woman you can fall in love with at first sight.
That same night they performed live at The Roxy Theater on Sunset. They had only minimal accompaniment, most notably Jerry Scheff on electric bass. His playing that night was the most incredible thing I've ever seen and heard, musicality on a VERY high plane. I then understood why he's so in demand by those who know what great musicianship is. He's the bassist on Costello's King Of America album, EC's best imo. Produced by T Bone.
By the way, just as did Julie Miller (Buddy's wife and collaborator), Sam started out as a Contemporary Christian artist, moving over to Secular later in life. She too has a very unique, some might say quirky, singing style.