The album 'A Time in My Life' was released in 1971 by Mainstream Records, an independent label founded by Bob Shad. Information about the specific producer is not available. The record marks a transition in Sarah Vaughan's career toward a more contemporary sound, incorporating influences from soul and early 1970s pop.
The repertoire includes covers of songs by artists such as Burt Bacharach and Carole King, as well as original tracks. Highlights include 'A Time in My Life' (the title track) and 'The Summer Knows'. The orchestration, by unconfirmed arrangers, seeks a balance between jazz and popular music of the time.
Although not a major commercial success, the album is valued by Vaughan's followers as an example of her adaptability to new styles. Her voice maintains its characteristic quality, though the material does not always match her talent. The album has been reissued in digital format but remains a lesser-known recording in her discography.