9 – THE SING ERA

Popular music in this century has been overwhelmingly dominated by the voice, yet during the big band era, vocals were momentarily eclipsed by instrumental dance music. However, in the mid 1940's, a series of events triggered the return of the vocalist in popularity.

From Aug. 1, 1942 until Sept. 18, 1943, The American Federation Of Musicians went on strike in a dispute over royalties. Another ban on recording in 1948 forced artists to sing a cappella on the radio since musicians could not perform live. Many artists recorded out of the country. Vocals once again began to dominate the airwaves. Stations were dependent on recordings and the public became accustomed to hearing vocals on a regular basis. After more than ten years of being saturated with instrumentals, the public had wearied of the trend. Consequently, much more emphasis was placed on lyric content and vocalists. In the studios and on the air, smaller backing combos were utilized, proving to be considerably cheaper than large orchestras. Thus, several other music forms such as country and early R&B started to gain significant ground. Electronic instrumentation was also coming into its own.

In December, 1946, eight of America's most popular bands including Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey disbanded. The Swing Era had given way to The Sing Era. This was the ten year period preceding rock and roll when the vocalist was truly king. Smooth, easy listening ballads featuring string arrangements became the main fare of the day. Also, sugary novelty songs not unlike those of the 1920's were all the rage. The career of a new young singing idol called Frank Sinatra had exploded and the new record buying public was the bobbysoxer. The age of the pop star had begun.

YOUR HIT PARADE

The biggest indication of a song's commercial success was its all-important position on CBS radio's "Your Hit Parade." The weekly Saturday evening program began broadcasting on April 20, 1935. It later moved to television in 1950. The show featured a handful of regulars, the most memorable being the TV company consisting of Roy "Snooky" Lanson, Dorothy Collins, Gisele MacKenzie and Russell Arms. Each week, the top ten hits would be counted down from #10 to #1, each presented in a creative setting and performed by the regulars.

By the late 1950's, as rock and roll began to take over, it became increasingly difficult for these Sing Era vocalists to do justice to the new material. Audiences generally associated certain songs with specific artists and they just did not sound believable when executed by non rockers. Also many of the new hits were black in origin, tending to sound quite ludicrous presented in the usual fashion. The show, originally a tremendously entertaining idea, had become totally uncool. Technically, The Sing Era came to an end when Elvis Presley burst upon the scene and the last broadcast of "Your Hit Parade" on April 24, 1959 was the final nail in the coffin.

Although the careers of many artists went down the drain with the emergence of rock and roll, several great vocalists managed to weather The Rock Era relatively unscathed, some taking their artistry into nightclubs, film or television. The following list of performers is representative of some of the finest in 20th century pop vocals.

MALE VOCALISTS OF THE SING ERA

BING CROSBY

• Harry Lillis Crosby (May 2, 1903 - Oct. 14, 1977)
• Singer/drummer/actor born in Tacoma, Washington.
• His birth is often erroneously listed as 1901.
• Raised in Spokane, Washington.
• Nicknamed "Bing" as a child after his favourite comic book, "Bingville Bugle." Called "Der Bingle" by his parents.
• Formed a 7 piece band with college classmate Al Rinker.
• 1925 - Rinker's sister, singer Mildred Bailey got them an engagement at The Tent Cafe in Los Angeles, California.
• 1925-1927 - Appeared in Pacific coast nightclubs and vaudeville.
• Oct. 18, 1926 - His first recording was "I've Got The Girl" with Al Rinker and The Don Clark Orchestra.
• 1927 - Bandleader Paul Whiteman signed Crosby and Rinker as vocalists for $150 a week. Later, with the addition of singer/ songwriter/pianist Harry Barris, they became The Rhythm Boys (see The Jazz Age). Hits include "I'm Coming Virginia"(Sept., 1927)#6 and "Louise"(June, 1929)#6. They were noted for their jazzy, breezy harmonies and creative arrangements.
• Jan. 26, 1929 - Crosby made his first commercial solo recording, "My Kinda Love" with The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra.
• 1930 - Crosby went solo, signing with CBS.
• 1931 - Lost his voice after developing nodules. When it returned, his intonation had become deeper and more resonant.
• Crosby, if not the first, was the definitive crooner.
• Sept. 2, 1931 - CBS Network radio debut singing "Just One More Chance"(June, 1931)#1-2 wks.
• Crosby's became the most recognizable voice of the 20th century, heard by more human beings than any other. Critic Ralph Gleason described Crosby's voice as "the personification of the whole jazz movement."
• His trademark song was "Where The Blue Of The Night Meets The Gold Of The Day"(Jan., 1932)#4 (from the film, "The Big Broadcast Of 1932").
• Film appearances include "Pennies From Heaven"(1936), "Holiday Inn"(1942), "Bells Of St. Mary's"(1945), "White Christmas"(1954), "High Society"(1956) and the series of "road pictures" he co-starred in with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour including "Road To Singapore"(1940), "Road To Morocco"(1946) and "Road To Utopia" (1946).
• Oct., 1942 - Crosby's historic recording of "White Christmas" went to #1-11 wks., eventually becoming the biggest selling record in history. Selling more than 30 million copies, it was later selected as a NARAS Hall Of Fame Recording.
• 1944 - Won the Academy Award for his best actor performance in "Going My Way."
• June, 1960 - Received a platinum disc commemorating his 200 millionth record sales, later hitting 400 million in 1975. He also had 22 million selling discs.
• During his illustrious career, he recorded over 2600 discs.
• Oct. 14, 1977 - Died of a heart attack while playing golf in Madrid, Spain.
• Hits include "Please"(Oct., 1932)#1-6 wks., "Brother Can You Spare A Dime"(Nov., 1932)#1-2 wks., "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me"(Feb., 1933)#1-4 wks., "Temptation"(Dec., 1933)#3, "June In January"(Nov., 1934)#1-7 wks., "Pennies From Heaven"(Nov., 1936)#1-10 wks., "Mexicali Rose"(Oct., 1938)#3, "Swinging On A Star"(May, 1944)#1-9 wks., "Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral"(Oct., 1944)#4, "Don't Fence Me In"(Nov., 1944)#1-8 wks. (with The Andrews Sisters), "Galway Bay"(Jan., 1949)#3, "True Love"(Oct., 1956)#3 (with Grace Kelly) and "Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy"(Dec., 1977) (with David Bowie).

FRANK SINATRA

• Francis Albert Sinatra (Dec. 12, 1915 - May 14, 1998)
• Singer/actor born in Hoboken, New Jersey.
• 1937 - With 3 instrumentalists, he formed The Hoboken Four, later winning on The Major Bowes Amateur Show.
• Late 1938 - Signed on as vocalist for the newly formed Harry James Orchestra.
• Six months later, joined The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. His first major hit was "I'll Never Smile Again"(June, 1940)#1-12 wks. (with The Pied Pipers).
• 1939 - Married for the first time to Nancy Barbato. They had 3 children - Nancy, Frank Jr. and Christina (Tina).
• 1943 - Went solo, landing a spot on radio's "Your Hit Parade" series.
• Oct. 12, 1944 - Some 30,000 bobbysoxers stormed Manhattan's Paramount Theatre to scream for the new singing idol.
• Sinatra's greatest asset as a vocalist was his ability to create an intimacy between himself and the audience. Like one of his idols Billie Holiday, he verified his complete understanding of his material. Sinatra preferred to label himself a saloon singer.
• 1953 - Won the Academy Award for his best actor performance as Maggio in "From Here To Eternity."
• Film appearances include "Young At Heart"(1954), "Guys And Dolls" (1955), "The Tender Trap"(1955), "The Man With The Golden Arm" (1955), "The Pride And The Passion"(1957) and "Robin And The 7 Hoods"(1964).
• His clique of friends including Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop and Shirley McLaine were often dubbed The Rat Pack.
• Feb. 13, 1961 - Launched his own label, Reprise.
• Nicknamed "The Voice," "Ol' Blue Eyes" and later, "The Chairman Of The Board."
• May, 1966 - His recording of "Strangers In The Night" went to #1, later winning 4 Grammys.
• During the 1960's, his daughter Nancy enjoyed a successful career as an actress/pop singer.
• He was often associated with "My Way"(April, 1969)#27, written by Paul Anka.
• 1994 - Presented with The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• 1996 - Won a Best Traditional Pop Vocal Grammy Award for his "Duets" album.
• May 14, 1998 - Died of a heart attack at The Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California leaving a $250 million estate.
• Hits include "All Or Nothing At All"(June, 1943)#1-2 wks. (with Harry James), "Saturday Night"(Feb., 1945)#2, "Nancy With The Laughing Face"(Dec., 1945)#10, "Mam'selle"(May, 1947)#1, "I've Got The World On A String"(July, 1953)#14, "Young At Heart"(Feb., 1954)#2, "Three Coins In The Fountain"(May, 1954)#4, "Learnin' The Blues"(May, 1955)#1-2 wks., "Love And Marriage"(Nov., 1955) #5, "Hey Jealous Lover"(Nov., 1956)#3, "All The Way"(Oct., 1957) #2, "Witchcraft"(Jan., 1958)#6, "High Hopes"(Sept., 1959)#30, "That's Life"(Dec., 1966)#4, "Something Stupid"(May, 1967)#1-4 wks. (with Nancy Sinatra) and "Theme From New York, New York" (May, 1980)#32.

VAUGHN MONROE

• (Oct. 7, 1911 - May 21, 1973)
• Singer/songwriter/trumpeter/bandleader born in Akron, Ohio.
• Baritone famous for his radio work.
• Began as a trumpeter with Gibby Lockhard's Orchestra.
• Quit to study voice at The Carnegie Technical School Of Music, working part time with Austin Wylie's Band and Larry Funk's Band.
• 1940-1953 - Led his own band based in Boston, Massachusetts.
• His theme song was the million selling "Racing With the Moon" (April, 1941)#25.
• 1953 - Went solo.
• In the early 1960's, retired to Stuart, Florida.
• Hits include "There I Go"(Oct., 1940)#1-3 wks., "My Devotion" (Aug., 1942)#1, "When The Lights Go On Again (All Over The World)"(Oct., 1942)#1-3 wks., "Ballerina"(Nov., 1947)#1-10 wks., "Riders In The Sky"(April, 1949)#1-12 wks., "Someday"(Aug., 1949) #1-2 wks. and "In The Middle Of the House"(Sept., 1956)#11.

TONY BENNETT

• Anthony Dominick Benedetto (Aug. 13, 1926 – )
• Singer born in Queens, New York.
• Son of a grocer.
• Began as a singing waiter at Riccardo's in Astoria, Queens.
• Ray Muscarelle got him on The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts program which led to a TV contract.
• He originally used the name Joe Bari.
• 1950 - Bob Hope invited him to sing on his Paramount Theatre Show.
• June, 1951 - His recording of "Because Of You" went to #1-10 wks.
• Bing Crosby called him "the greatest singer I ever heard."
• Forever associated with his recording of "I Left My Heart In San Francisco"(Aug., 1962)#19.
• Respected as both a jazz and pop singer.
• During the 1990"s, enjoyed an amazing surge in popularity due to his success on MTV.
• 1997 - Released a tribute album to Billie Holiday titled "On Holiday," featuring a remixed duet with the legendary singer.
• 2002 - Released the satisfying "A Wonderful World" album with k.d. lang.
• Hits include "Cold Cold Heart"(June, 1951)#1-6 wks.,"Rags To Riches"(Sept., 1953)#1-8 wks., "Stranger In Paradise"(Nov., 1953) #2, "In The Middle Of An Island"(Aug., 1957)#9, "Firefly"(Sept., 1958)#20, "I Wanna Be Around"(Jan., 1963)#14 and "The Good Life" (May, 1963)#18.

NAT KING COLE

• Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17, 1919 - Feb. 15, 1965)
• Singer/songwriter/pianist/actor born in Montgomery, Alabama.
• Studied piano in Chicago, Illinois his style influenced by Earl Hines.
• 1936 - Organized his own band, touring in "Shuffle Along."
• 1937 - Formed The King Cole Trio, playing piano and composing songs. He became a singer by accident, realizing that audiences enjoyed his singing as much as his playing.
• 1940 - Recorded "Sweet Lorraine" for Decca.
• By 1943, the trio had become a major stage, nightclub and radio attraction, signing with Capitol Records.
• 1950 - Went solo as a vocalist.
• June, 1950 - His classic recording of "Mona Lisa" climbed to #1-8 wks.
• 1958 - Starred as W. C. Handy in the film, "St. Louis Blues."
• During the early 1960's, hosted his own short lived TV variety series. Cole was the first black male to do so.
• Cole possessed one of the most unique resonant baritones in modern music history.
• Feb. 15, 1965 - Died of cancer in Los Angeles, California.
• By 1968, his estimated disc sales was 75 million.
• 1991 - His daughter, singer Natalie Cole (see Funk And The New R&B) released a loving tribute to her father titled "Unforgettable" which included a revolutionary video featuring the 2 singers superimposed on the same screen singing together on the title track.
• Hits include "Straighten Up And Fly Right"(April, 1944)#9, "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons"(Nov., 1946)#1-6 wks., "The Christmas Song"(Nov., 1946)#3 (NARAS Hall Of Fame Recording written by Mel Torme), "Nature Boy"(April, 1948)#1-8 wks., "Too Young"(April, 1951)#1-5 wks., "Unforgettable"(Nov., 1951)#12, "Pretend"(Feb., 1953)#2, "Answer Me My Love"(Feb., 1954)#6, "Smile"(Sept., 1954)#10, "A Blossom Fell"(May, 1955)#2, "Ramblin' Rose"(Aug., 1962)2 and "Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summer" (May, 1963)#6.

FRANKIE LAINE

• Frank Paul Lo Vecchio (March 30, 1913 – )
• Singer/songwriter/actor born in Chicago, Illinois.
• Sicilian descent.
• One of the first white rhythm singers.
• May 26, 1932-Oct. 18, 1932 - Frankie Laine and Ruth Smith set a marathon dance record in Atlantic City, New Jersey. They danced for 145 consecutive days (3,501 hrs.).
• 1937 - Replaced Perry Como as the vocalist for Freddy Carlone's band.
• 1945 - Recorded solo for Exclusive Records and performed with Johnny Moore's Three Blazers.
• 1947 - Signed with Mercury Records, his vocal style finding favour with both blacks and whites. The very physical aspects of his performing style made him a major sensation in the post World War Two era. Drama was the key to a Laine performance.
• Film appearances include "Make Believe Ballroom"(1949), "When You're Smiling"(1950), "Sunny Side Of The Street"(1951), "Bring Your Smile"(1955) and "Meet Me In Las Vegas"(1956).
• 1960 - Sang the theme for TV's "Rawhide."
• Hits include "That's My Desire"(March, 1947)#4, "That Lucky Old Sun"(Aug., 1949)#1-8 wks., "Mule Train"(Nov., 1949)#1-6 wks., "The Cry Of The Wild Goose"(Feb., 1950)#1-2 wks., "Jezebel"(May, 1951)#2, "High Noon"(July, 1952)#5, "I Believe"(Feb., 1953)#2, "Moonlight Gambler"(Dec., 1956)#3 and "You Gave Me A Mountain" (Feb., 1969)#24.

PERRY COMO

• Pierino Roland Como (May 18, 1912 - May 12, 2001)
• Singer born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
• Also performed as Nick Perido.
• 1934 - Established his own barbershop in Canonburg. Sang with Freddy Carlone's band for 3 years.
• 1936-1942 - Sang with The Ted Weems Orchestra, his greatest hit being "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now"(recorded Oct., 1939, later becoming a #2 hit in Aug., 1947).
• 1943 - Went solo and by 1945 had firmly established himself in recordings and on radio.
• 1943 - Signed a 7 year movie deal with 20th Century Fox, later being released at his own request. Film appearances include "Something For The Boys"(1944), "Doll Face"(1945) and "If I'm Lucky"(1946).
• Como became the first pop singer to reach the 2 million sales mark on 2 releases at the same time.
• During the 1950's, he began his long run on TV with his own weekly program, later doing his annual Christmas specials. It was here that he earned the nickname "Mr. C."
• His trademark song was "Dream Along With Me"(July, 1956)#85.
• Como's relaxed baritone voice and easy going accessible style earned him the title of "The World's Most Casual Singer."
• By 1969, his disc sales was estimated at 50 million.
• Hits include "If I Loved You"(July, 1945)#3, "Till The End Of Time"(Aug., 1945)#1-10 wks., "Prisoner Of Love"(March, 1946)#1-3 wks., "Because"(March, 1948)#4, "If"(Jan., 1951)#1-8 wks., "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes"(Dec., 1952)#1-5 wks., "No Other Love"(June, 1953)#1-4 wks., "Wanted"(March, 1954)#1-8 wks., "Hot Diggity"(March, 1956)#1, "Round And Round"(Feb., 1957)#1-2 wks., "Catch A Falling Star"(Jan., 1958)#1, "Magic Moments"(Jan., 1958) #4, "It's Impossible"(Nov., 1970)#10 and "And I Love You So" (April, 1973)#29.

TONY MARTIN

• Alvin Morris Jr. (Dec. 25, 1912 – )
• Singer/saxophonist/actor born in Oakland, California.
• Began as the saxophonist for Anson Weeks, later for Tommy Gerun's band.
• 1936-1957 - Appeared in several movie musicals including "Ziegfeld Girl"(1941), "Till The Clouds Roll By"(1946) and "Hit The Deck"(1955).
• Famous for his romantic, dreamy, semi-operatic vocal style.
• His masterpiece was his recording of Cole Porter's "Begin The Beguine."
• 1948 - Married dancer/actress Cyd Charisse.
• 1976 - Martin and Charisse published an autobiography titled "The Two Of Us."
• Hits include "It's A Blue World"(Feb., 1940)#2, "There's No Tomorrow"(Nov., 1949)#2, "I Get Ideas"(June, 1951)#3, "Kiss Of Fire"(May, 1952)#6 and "Walk Hand In Hand"(April, 1956)#10.

JOHNNIE RAY

• John Alvin Ray (Jan. 1, 1927 - Feb. 25, 1990)
• Singer/songwriter/pianist/actor born in Dallas, Oregon.
• Part Blackfoot Indian.
• Partially deaf since age 12, he began wearing a hearing aid at age 14.
• 1951 - First recorded for Okeh Records, a company dealing mostly with black artists.
• Famous for his emotionally charged R&B influenced delivery, he once stated that he stole much of his sound from Kay Starr. His sexually oriented performances often caused teenage girls to swoon. He was famous for delivering his songs on his knees while crying. Female fans swooned.
• Nicknamed "The Cry Guy," "The Nabob Of Sob" and "The Prince Of Wails."
• 1954 - Appeared in the film, "There's No Business Like Show business."
• Hits include "Cry"(Nov., 1951)#1-11 wks., "The Little White Cloud That Cried"(Nov., 1951)#2, "Walkin' My Baby Back Home"(May, 1952)#4, "Such A Night"(April, 1954)#19, "Hernando's Hideaway" (June, 1954)#14, "Just Walking In the Rain"(Sept., 1956)#2 and "You Don't Owe Me A Thing"(Jan., 1957)#10.

GUY MITCHELL

• Al Cernick (Feb. 27, 1927 - July 1, 1999)
• Singer/actor born in Detroit, Michigan.
• 1946 - Sang with Carmen Cavallaro's orchestra.
• 1949 - Won on "The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts."
• He possessed a husky baritone voice and a likeable macho cowboy charm.
• Film appearances include "Those Red Heads From Seattle"(1953) and "Red Garters"(1954).
• Oct., 1956 - His most memorable recording, "Singing The Blues" went to #1-10 wks.
• July 1, 1999 - Died from complications after surgery.
• Hits include "My Heart Cries For You"(Dec., 1950)#2, "The Roving Kind"(Dec., 1950)#4, "My Truly, Truly Fair"(June, 1951)#2, "Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania"(March, 1952)#4, "Rock-A-Billy"(April, 1957)#10 and "Heartaches By The Number"(Oct., 1959)#1-2 wks.

DEAN MARTIN

• Dino Paul Crocetti (June 7, 1917 - Dec. 25, 1995)
• Singer/actor/comedian/TV host born in Steubenville, Ohio.
• 1933 - Dropped out of school.
• Became an amateur prize fighter under the name Kid Crochet.
• 1937 - Moved to California, appearing in various clubs.
• 1946 - Formed a team with comic Jerry Lewis at the Club 500 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The duo became one of the biggest show business attractions of the early 1950's, working in films and on TV.
• 1949 - The duo made their first of 15 comedy films together, "My Friend Irma."
• 1956 - The team separated with Martin enjoying a successful solo singing career.
• Martin was Elvis Presley's favourite male vocalist.
• Film appearances include "Jumping Jacks"(1952), "The Stooge" (1953), "Artists And Models"(1955), "Some Came Running"(1958), "Rio Bravo"(1959) and "Robin And The 7 Hoods"(1964).
• He was a member of Frank Sinatra's notorious rat pack.
• 1965-1974 - Hosted his own extremely popular TV variety series.
• Dec. 25, 1995 - Died of respiratory problems.
• Hits include "Powder Your Face With Sunshine"(Feb., 1949)#10, "That's Amore"(Nov., 1953)#2, "Memories Are Made Of This"(Dec., 1955)#1-6 wks., "Return To Me"(April, 1958)#4, "Everybody Loves Somebody"(June, 1964)#1, "The Door Is Still Open To My Heart" (Sept., 1964)#6 and "I Will"(Oct., 1965)#10.

MARIO LANZA

• See The Musical - Stage And Film

AL MARTINO

• Alfred Cini (Oct. 7, 1927 – )
• Singer/actor born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• 1950 - A bricklayer in South Philadelphia, he was encouraged by his friend Mario Lanza to sing professionally.
• 1952 - Won on The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts.
• May, 1952 - His million selling recording of "Here In My Heart" went to #1-3 wks.
• 1972 - Portrayed singer Johnny Fontane in the movie, "The Godfather."
• Hits include "Take My Heart"(June, 1952)#12, "I Love You Because" (April, 1963)#3, "I Love You More And More Every Day"(Feb., 1964) #9 and "Spanish Eyes"(Dec., 1965)#15.

EDDIE FISHER

• Edwin Jack Fisher (Aug. 10, 1928 – )
• Singer/actor born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• His parents were Russian Jewish immigrants.
• While singing on Philadelphia's WFIL radio, he was nicknamed "The Little Kid With The Big Voice."
• 1945 - Appeared at The Copacabana nightclub in New York City.
• 1946 - Sang with Buddy Morrow's band.
• 1949 - Became a regular on Eddie Cantor's radio show.
• 1950 - Signed to RCA.
• 1952-1953 - With The Armed Forces Special Services.
• 1953-1956 - Hosted his own 15 minute TV series, "Coke Time."
• Fisher was the #1 teen idol of the early 1950's.
• Jan. 13, 1956 - Signed a 15 year $1 million radio and TV deal.
• Has been married to Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor and Connie Stevens.
• Father of actress Carrie Fisher by Debbie Reynolds and actress Joely Fisher by Connie Stevens.
• Films include "Bundle Of Joy"(1956) and "Butterfield 8"(1960).
• 1970 - Beset by drug problems, Fisher filed for bankruptcy.
• 1990 - Had a facelift as a publicity stunt.
• 1999 - Appeared at San Francisco's Jolson Festival.
• Hits include "Thinking Of You"(Oct., 1950)#5, "Turn Back The Hands Of Time"(Sept., 1951)#8, "Anytime"(Dec., 1951)#2, "Wish You Were Here"(July, 1952)#1, "Lady Of Spain"(Sept., 1952)#6, "I'm Walking Behind You"(May, 1953)#1-7 wks., "Oh My Pa-Pa"(Dec., 1953)#1-8 wks., "I Need You Now"(Sept., 1954)#1-3 wks., "Heart" (May, 1955)#6, "Dungaree Doll"(Dec., 1955)#7 and "Cindy Oh Cindy" (Oct., 1956)#10.

VIC DAMONE

• Vito Rocco Farinola (June 12, 1928 – )
• Balladeer/bandleader born in Brooklyn, New York.
• 1945 - Won on "The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts."
• Film appearances include "Rich Young And Pretty(1951), "The Strip"(1951), "Athena"(1954) and "Hit The Deck(1955).
• 1954 - Sang "The Road To Paradise" and "Will You Remember" in the film, "Deep In My Heart."
• 1956-1957 - Hosted his own TV series.
• 1971 - Filed for bankruptcy. 1989-1996 - Married to singer/actress Diahann Carroll.
• Hits include "You're Breaking My Heart"(June, 1949)#1-4 wks., "Tzena, Tzena, Tzena"(July, 1950)#6, "On The Street Where You Live"(April, 1956)#4 and "An Affair To Remember"(Sept., 1957)#16.

FEMALE VOCALISTS OF THE SING ERA

DINAH SHORE

• Frances Rose Shore (Feb. 29, 1916 - Feb. 24, 1994)
• Singer/actress/TV host born in Winchester, Tennessee.
• Birth often listed as March 1, 1917, but she was actually a Leap Year baby born on Feb. 29, 1916.
• The Shores were the only Jewish family in Winchester at the time.
• After a bout with polio at the age of 18 months, she walked with a limp.
• 1923 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1936 - Auditioned for WSM radio music director Beasley Smith, changing her name to Dinah after adopting "Dinah" as her theme song while singing on WSM.
• Her biggest influence was Billie Holiday, stating "I cried the first time I heard her."
• 1938 - Went to New York City, earning a spot on WNEW radio.
• 1939 - Signed with CBS to sing with Ben Bernie's band.
• 1939-1946 - Recorded for RCA.
• Sept., 1940 - Became the protégé of Eddie Cantor.
• Dec. 5, 1943 - Married film actor George Montgomery (George Letz).
• 1944 - Hosted her own radio program.
• Film appearances include "Thank Your Lucky Stars"(1943), "Up In Arms"(1944), "Follow The Boys"(1944) and "Till The Clouds Roll By"(1946).
• 1946 - Named top-selling female vocalist by Billboard Magazine.
• By 1947, she had sold over 6 million records.
• After 5 years with Columbia, returned to RCA.
• 1951-1963 - Hosted The Dinah Shore Chevy Show on TV.
• Enjoyed continuous success with various TV variety/talk shows well into the 1990's.
• Blessed with a likeable personality and warm soothing voice, Shore was a long time favourite of the American public.
• She termed herself a lyric pop singer rather than a beat pop singer.
• Feb. 24, 1994 - Died in Beverly Hills, California.
• Her name lives on with LPGA golf classic she inaugurated.
• Hits include "Yes, My Darling Daughter"(Oct., 1940), "Blues In The Night"(Feb., 1942)#4, "Shoo-Fly Pie And Apple Pan Dowdy" (March, 1946)#6, "The Gypsy"(April, 1946)#1-8 wks., "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons"(Jan., 1947)#2, the Oscar-winning "Buttons And Bows"(Sept., 1948)#1-10 wks.,"Lavendar Blue"(Dec., 1948)#9, "Dear Hearts And Gentle People"(Nov., 1949)#2, "Sweet Violets"(July, 1951)#3 and "Chantez Chantez"(Feb., 1957)#19.

JO STAFFORD

• Jo Elizabeth Stafford (Nov. 12, 1920 – )
• Singer born in Coalinga, California.
• 1935 - Joined The Stafford Sisters vocal group consisting of her sisters Pauline and Christine, singing regularly on radio.
• 1941-1945 - She was a member of The Pied Pipers singing group which sang with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra from 1939 to 1942.
• 1945 - Went solo, signing with Capitol Records.
• 1943 & 1945 - Downbeat Award winner as Top Female Vocalist.
• With Red Ingle, recorded a hilarious comedy send-up of "Temptation" called "Tim-Tayshun"(June, 1947)#1 under the name of Cinderella G. Stump.
• 1952 - Married orchestra leader Paul Weston who she had met in 1938.
• Aug., 1952 - Her recording of "You Belong To Me" with Weston went to #1-12 wks.
• 1953 - Hosted her own TV show.
• By 1955, she had sold over 25 million records.
• Famous for her smooth sensuous vocal style.
• Hits include "Candy"(Feb., 1945)#1 (with Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers), "Shrimp Boats"(Nov., 1951)#2, "Jambalaya"(Aug., 1952)#3, "Make Love To Me"(Jan., 1954)#1-7 wks. and "Suddenly There's A Valley"(Oct., 1955)#13.

DORIS DAY

• Doris Mary Anne Von Kappelhoff (April 3, 1924 – )
• Singer/actress/dancer born in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Began singing at a nightclub owned by Barney Rapp, who changed her name to Doris Day.
• 1940 - Sang briefly with Bob Crosby's band.
• 1940 - Joined Les Brown And His Band Of Renown for $75 a week.
• 1941 - Retired to have a baby, rejoining Brown in 1943.
• Feb. 8, 1942 - Her son, Terry Jorden was born. His father was trombonist Al Jorden, who later committed suicide. Terry later changed his last name to Melcher, after Day's third husband, her agent Marty Melcher.
• March, 1945 - Her recording of "Sentimental Journey" with Les Brown went to #1-9 wks.
• 1948 - Began her successful movie career with "Romance On The High Seas" which featured the hit, "It's Magic"(July, 1948)#2.
• Film appearances include "Calamity Jane"(1953), "Young At Heart" (1954), "Love Me Or Leave Me"(1955) (Academy Award nomination for Best Actress), "Teacher's Pet"(1958), "Pillow Talk"(1959) and "That Touch Of Mink"(1962).
• 1968-1973 - Starred in her own popular TV sitcom.
• Aug. 9, 1969 - Charles Manson's followers murdered five people including actress Sharon Tate at Terry Melcher's home, thinking that he was one of those killed. Melcher, a record producer, had refused Manson's bid for a recording contract, triggering his rage.
• Doris Day has often been labelled "Miss Goody Two-Shoes" and "The Eternal Virgin" because of her wholesome image. In actuality, her private life has not been a happy one.
• Day was one of the most satisfying vocalists ever recorded.
• She later became a spokesperson for animal rights.
• Hits include "Love Somebody"(May, 1948)#1-5 wks. (with Buddy Clark), "Again"(May, 1949)#2, "Bewitched"(May, 1950)#9, "Shanghai"(June, 1951)#7, "A Guy Is A Guy"(March, 1952)#1, "Secret Love"(Jan., 1954)#1-4 wks., "If I Give My Heart To You" (Sept., 1954)#3, "Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" (July, 1956)#2 (her trademark song) and "Everybody Loves A Lover" (July, 1958)#6.

PATTI PAGE

• Clara Ann Fowler (Nov. 8, 1927 – )
• Singer born in Claremore, Oklahoma.
• Raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she sang in her church choir.
• 1946 - Worked as a staff singer at KTUL radio in Tulsa.
• 1948 - Sang briefly with Benny Goodman.
• 1948 - Signed with Mercury Records as a solo artist.
• Nov., 1950 - Her recording of "The Tennessee Waltz" went to #1-13 wks., eventually selling over 6 million copies.
• 1952-1958 - Hosted several TV variety programs.
• Page sold more records than any other 1950's female vocalist and had 78 charted hits.
• Often nicknamed "The Singing Rage" and "The Waltz Queen."
• Famous for her experimentations with overdubbing.
• During the 1970's, switched to country.
• Hits include "All My Love"(Aug., 1950)#1-5 wks., "Mockin' Bird Hill"(Feb., 1951)#2, "Detour"(Aug., 1951)#5, "I Went To Your Wedding"(Aug., 1952)#1-10 wks., "The Doggie In The Window"(Jan., 1953)#1-8 wks., "Changing Partners"(Nov., 1953)#3, "Cross Over The Bridge"(Feb., 1954)#2, "Allegheny Moon"(June, 1956)#2, "Old Cape Cod"(May, 1957)#3, "Left Right Out Of Your Heart"(June, 1958)#9 and "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte"(April, 1965)#8.

ELLA MAE MORSE

• (Sept. 12, 1926 - Oct., 1999)
• Singer born in Mansfield, Texas.
• 1939 - Did a brief stint with Jimmy Dorsey until he found out she was only 14.
• 1942 - Joined Freddie Slack's Orchestra.
• July, 1942 - Her recording of "Cow Cow Boogie" with Freddie Slack & His Orchestra went to #9 and #9 R&B. It was fledgling Capitol Records' first gold record.
• 1943 - Began recording solo.
• 1946 - Reunited with Slack for one more recording session.
• Morse was often thought to be black because of her style.
• 1957 - Retired from recording.
• Hits include "Mr. Five By Five"(Sept., 1942)#10, (Oct., 1942) #1-2 wks. R&B (with Freddie Slack), "Shoo Shoo Baby"(Dec., 1943) #1-2 wks. R&B, #4, "No Love, No Nothin'"(Jan., 1944)#4, "Tess' Torch Song (I Had A Man)"(April, 1944)#11, "Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet"(May, 1944)#7, "The House Of Blue Lights"(May, 1946)#8 (with Freddie Slack), "The Blacksmith Blues"(Feb., 1952) #3 and "40 Cups Of Coffee"(Aug., 1953)#26.

KAY STARR

• Katherine LaVerne Starks (July 21, 1922 – )
• Singer born in Dougherty, Oklahoma.
• Contrary to popular belief, Starr was not born on a reservation. However, her father Harry was a full blooded Iroquois and her mother Annie was of mixed Native American and Irish blood.
• 1937 - Age 15, sang with famed jazz violinist Joe Venuti's band for 2 years.
• 1939 - After leaving high school, Bob Crosby brought her to New York City to sing on his Camel Caravan.
• Briefly sang with Glenn Miller, later rejoining Joe Venuti.
• Sang with The Charlie Barnet Orchestra for 2 years.
• 1945 - After losing her voice, she stopped singing for a year. Her voice returned with a deeper, huskier, resonant timbre.
• 1946 - Signed with Capitol Records as a solo artist.
• Feb., 1951 - Her recording of "The Wheel Of Fortune" went to #1- 10 wks.
• Starr's unique bluesy vocal style successfully crossed the borders of jazz, country and pop.
• Hits include "Hoop-Dee-Doo"(May, 1950)#2, "Bonaparte's Retreat" (May, 1950)#4, "Comes A-Long A-Love"(Sept., 1952)#9, "Side By Side"(Jan., 1953)#3, "If You Love Me (Really Love Me)"(April, 1954)#4, "Rock And Roll Waltz"(Jan., 1956)#1-6 wks. and "My Heart Reminds Me"(Sept., 1957)#9.

ROSEMARY CLOONEY

• (May 23, 1928 - June 29, 2002)
• Singer/actress born in Maysville, Kentucky.
• Started out in The Clooney Sisters with her sister Betty (1931 - Aug., 1976).
• 1947 - They performed regularly with Tony Pastor's band making $250 a week.
• 1949 - Rosemary went solo, signed to Columbia Records by Mitch Miller.
• July, 1951 - Her recording of "Come On A My House" went to #1-8 wks.
• 1953 - Married actor Jose Ferrer with whom she had 5 children.
• Film appearances include "Here Come The Girls"(1953), "Red Garters"(1954) and "White Christmas"(1954).
• June, 1968 - Campaigned in support of Bobby Kennedy, witnessing his murder.
• During the late 1960's, became addicted to drugs.
• July 1, 1968 - Admitted to the psychiatric ward at Mount Sinai Hospital.
• During the 1970's, made a triumphant comeback on the concert circuit and doing TV commercials.
• Respected as a pop singer and jazz stylist, everybody in the business loves "Rosie."
• 1977 - Published her autobiography, "This For Remembrance."
• 1982 - A TV biopic titled "Rosie - The Rosemary Clooney Story" starred Sondra Locke as the legendary lady.
• 2001 - Clooney was still performing to packed houses all over the world, her standout current piece being "Do You Miss New York."
• Jan. 11, 2002 - Had the upper lobe of her left lung removed during cancer surgery at The Mayo Clinic.
• Feb. 27, 2002 - Received the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
• Hits include "Mixed Emotions"(Sept., 1951)#2, "Half As Much" (May, 1952)#1-3 wks., "Botch-A-Me"(June, 1952)#2, "Hey There" (July, 1954)#1-6 wks., "This Ole House"(Aug., 1954)#1-3 wks., "Mambo Italiano"(Nov., 1954)#10 and "Mangos"(April, 1957)#10.

GALE STORM

• Josephine Owaissa Cottle (April 5, 1922 – )
• Singer/actress/comedienne born in Bloomington, Texas.
• 1939 - Winner of The Gateway To Hollywood contest which included winning the name Gale Storm.
• Appeared in several B movies including "Tom Brown's School Days" (1940), "Rhythm Parade"(1942), "Campus Rhythm"(1943), "Swing Parade Of 1946"(1946) and "Woman Of The North Country"(1952).
• 1941 - Married actor Lee Bonnell (also known as Terry Belmont).
• 1952 - Starred in the TV sitcom, "My Little Margie."
• Became a recording artist for Dot Records, a company specializing in cover artists.
• During the late 1950's, starred in the hilarious TV sitcom, "Oh Susannah - The Gale Storm Show."
• Many of her recordings featured The Billy Vaughn Orchestra.
• During the 1960's, retired from performing.
• In later years, successfully fought alcohol problems.
• 1981 - Released her memoir, "I Ain't Down Yet."
• Hits include "I Hear You Knockin'"(Oct., 1955)#2, "Memories Are Made Of This"(Dec., 1955)#5, "Teen Age Prayer"(Dec., 1955)#6, "Ivory Tower"(April, 1956)#6 and "Dark Moon"(April, 1957)#4.

GEORGIA GIBBS

• Fredda Gibbons (Aug. 17, 1920 – )
• Singer born in Worcester, Massachusetts.
• 1937-1938 - Sang on the Lucky Strike radio show.
• Sang with several orchestras including Frankie Trumbauer and Artie Shaw.
• Gary Moore dubbed her "Her Nibbs, Miss Gibbs" after she appeared regularly on his TV variety program.
• Famous for her strong, throaty vocals and punchy delivery.
• Recorded the classic "Love Me" before Elvis Presley.
• Many of her recordings were covers.
• Hits include "Kiss Of Fire"(April, 1952)#1-7 wks., "Seven Lonely Days"(March, 1953)#5, "Tweedlee Dee"(Jan., 1955)#2, "Dance With Me Henry"(March, 1955)#1-3 wks. and "I Want You To Be My Baby" (Sept., 1955)#14.

TERESA BREWER

• Theresa Breuer (May 7, 1931 – )
• Singer born in Toledo, Ohio.
• 1936 - Age 5, debuted on "The Major Bowes Amateur Hour," touring until the age of 12.
• 1949 - Began recording for London Records.
• Feb., 1950 - Her recording of "Music, Music, Music" went to #1-4 wks.
• 1953 - Appeared in the film, "Those Red Heads From Seattle."
• Nicknamed "The Little Lady With The Big Voice."
• Later, turned to country music.
• Hits include "Till I Waltz Again With You"(Dec., 1952)#1-7 wks., "Ricochet"(Oct., 1953)#2, "Jilted"(April, 1954)#6, "Let Me Go Lover"(Dec., 1954)#6, "A Tear Fell"(Feb., 1956)#5 and "A Sweet Old Fashioned Girl"(June, 1956)#7.

JONI JAMES

• Joan Carmello Babbo (Sept. 22, 1930 – )
• Singer born in Chicago, Illinois.
• Wife of orchestral conductor/arranger Tony Acquaviva ( – Sept. 27, 1986).
• Began as a dancer in the late 1940's, touring Canada.
• 1952 - Recorded for Sharp.
• 1954 - Became the first pop singer to appear with The Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
• Hits include "Why Don't You Believe Me"(Oct., 1952)#1-6 wks., "How Important Can It Be"(Feb., 1955)#2, "You Are My Love"(Oct., 1955)#6 and "There Goes My Heart"(Sept., 1958)#19.

JAYE P. MORGAN

• Mary Margaret Morgan (Dec. 3, 1931 – )
• Singer/actress/comedienne born in Mancos, Colorado.
• Sister of The Morgan Brothers - Dick, Duke and Charley.
• 1936 - Age 5, began performing with her family in vaudeville, stealing the show performing "I May Be Little But I'm Loud."
• 1945 - Her father died and the act broke up.
• Her classmates in high school dubbed her J. P. when she was class treasurer.
• 1950-1953 - Sang with Frank De Vol`s band.
• Later appeared as a regular on the CBS "Robert Q. Lewis" program.
• A jazzy singer with plenty of sass.
• A popular TV personality, she is often remembered as "Juicy" Jaye P." of TV's "The Gong Show" during the 1970's.
• Hits include "That's All I Want From You"(Nov., 1954)#3, "The Longest Walk"(Aug., 1955)#6 and "Pepper-Hot Baby"(Nov., 1955)#14.

JANE MORGAN

• Jane Currier (1920 - 1974)
• Singer born in Boston, Massachusetts.
• Raised in Florida.
• Studied as a lyric soprano at The Juilliard School Of Music.
• After being offered a contract by French impresario Bernard Hilda, she became famous in Paris and subsequently all of Europe before establishing herself in America.
• Recorded often with The Troubadours.
• Hits include "Two Different Worlds"(Nov., 1956)#41, "Fascination" (Aug., 1957)#7 and "The Day The Rains Came"(Sept., 1958)#21.

MARGARET WHITING

• (July 22, 1924 – )
• Singer born in Detroit, Michigan.
• Daughter of composer Richard A. Whiting (1891 - 1938).
• Raised in Hollywood, California.
• Began singing with Freddy Slack's Orchestra.
• 1946-1954 - She had over 40 charted hits.
• Married for a time to pianist Joe "Fingers" Carr.
• Hits include "Moonlight In Vermont"(Feb., 1945)#15 (with Billy Butterfield) (later a #29 solo hit in Feb., 1954), "A Tree In The Meadow"(July, 1948)#1-5 wks., "Far Away Places"(Dec., 1948)#2 (with The Crew Cuts), "Slippin' Around"(Sept., 1949)#1-3 wks. (with Jimmy Wakely) and "A Bushel And A Peck"(Oct., 1950)#6.

A SELECTED LISTING OF RECORDINGS BY OTHER SING ERA FEMALES

• Eileen Barton - "If I Knew You Were Comin', I'd Have Baked A Cake" (March, 1950)#1-10 wks.
• Cathy Carr - "Ivory Tower"(March, 1956)#2.
• Gogi Grant - "The Wayward Wind"(April, 1956)#1-8 wks.
• Gisele MacKenzie - "Hard To Get"(June, 1955)#4.
• Felicia Sanders - "Song From The Moulin Rouge"(April, 1953)#1-10 wks. (with Percy Faith).
• Roberta Sherwood - "Lazy River"(June, 1956)#57.
• Joan Weber - "Let Me Go Lover"(Dec., 1954)#1-4 wks.

THE GROUPS & DUOS OF THE SING ERA

THE FOUR ACES

• Vocal quartet formed in Chester, Pennsylvania.
• Consisting of Al Alberts (lead vocals), Dave Mahoney (tenor), Sol Vaccaro (baritone) and Lou Silvestri (bass).
• Sept., 1951 - Their recording of "Sin" climbed to #4.
• Decca then bought their contract from Victoria Records.
• During the mid 1950's, Alberts went solo.
• Hits include "Tell Me Why"(Dec., 1951)#2, "Stranger In Paradise" (Dec., 1953)#3, "Three Coins In The Fountain"(May, 1954)#1, "Melody Of Love"(Jan., 1955)#3 and "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing"(Aug., 1955)#1-6 wks.
• THE FOUR LADS
• See The Great 1950's Pop Stars

THE McGUIRE SISTERS

• Close harmony sister trio born in Middletown, Ohio.
• Phyllis McGuire (Feb. 14, 1931 – ) (lead singer)
• Christine McGuire (July 30, 1929 – )
• Dorothy McGuire (Feb. 13, 1930 – )
• Their first big break was an appearance on Kate Smith's radio show.
• 1953 - Won on "The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts," later becoming regulars on Arthur Godfrey's TV show.
• 1964 - Phyllis went solo.
• Hits include "Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight"(June, 1954)#7, "Muskrat Ramble"(Oct., 1954)#10, "Sincerely"(Jan., 1955)#1-10 wks., "It May Sound Silly"(March, 1955)#11, "Something's Gotta Give"(June, 1955)#5, "He"(Oct., 1955)#10, "Sugartime"(Dec., 1957) #1-4 wks. and "Picnic"(May, 1956)#13.
• Phyllis Mcguire's only solo charted hit was "I Don't Want To Walk Without You"(Dec., 1964)#79.

THE AMES BROTHERS

• 1947 - Brother vocal quartet from Malden, Massachusetts.
• Ed Ames (Ed Urick) (July 9, 1927 – ) (lead singer)
• Gene Ames (Gene Urick) (Feb. 13, 1925 – )
• Joe Ames (Joseph Urick) (May 3, 1924 – )
• Vic Ames (Vic Urick) (May 20, 1920 - Jan. 23, 1978)
• 1949 - Signed with Coral Records.
• 1952 - Signed with RCA Victor.
• 1955 - Had their own TV show.
• 1960 - Ed went solo, his biggest hit being "My Cup Runneth Over With Love"(Jan., 1967)#8. He also enjoyed a successful acting career playing Mingo on TV's "Daniel Boone."
• Hits include Rag Mop"(Jan., 1950)#1-2 wks., "Sentimental Me" (Jan., 1950)#1, "Undecided"(Sept., 1951)#2, "You, You, You"(June, 1953)#1-8 wks., "The Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane"(Nov., 1954)#3, "My Bonnie Lassie"(Sept., 1955)#11, "Tammy"(July, 1957)#5 and "Melodie D'Amour"(Oct., 1957)#5.

THE CHORDETTES

• Female vocal quartet from Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
• Consisting of Dorothy Schwartz, Jinny Osborn, Janet Ertel and Carol Bushman.
• 1949-1953 - Regulars with Arthur Godfrey.
• 1953 - Dorothy and Jinny replaced by Lynn Evans and Margie Needham.
• 1954 - Musical director Archie Bleyer signed them to Cadence Records.
• They were the very first guests on the national TV series, "American Bandstand."
• Hits include "Mr. Sandman"(Oct., 1954)#1-7 wks., "Born To Be With You"(June, 1956)#5, "Just Between You and Me"(Sept., 1957)#8 and "Lollipop"(March, 1958)#2.

THE GAYLORDS

• Originally a trio formed by Ronnie Gaylord (Ronnie Gaylord Fredianelli) in Detroit, Michigan.
• Later becoming the duo of Ronnie Gaylord and Burt Holiday (Burt Bonaldi).
• Worked with pianist Don Rea.
• Hits include "Tell Me You're Mine"(Dec., 1952)#2, "From The Vine Came The Grape"(Feb., 1954)#2, "The Little Shoemaker"(July, 1954) #2 and "No Arms Can Ever Hold You"(Nov., 1955)#67.

LES PAUL & MARY FORD

• Les Paul (Lester William Pollfuss) (June 9, 1916 – )
• Guitarist/inventor/studio innovator born in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
• Mary Ford (Colleen Summers) (July 7, 1928 - Sept. 30, 1977)
• Singer/guitarist born in Pasadena, California.
• 1938-1940 - Les Paul played guitar with The Fred Waring Orchestra.
• 1940 - Designed the first solid body amplified electric guitar. It was distributed by the Gibson company after initial reluctance in 1947.
• 1941 - Developed the sound-on-sound multi-track recording technique.
• Paul was nicknamed "The Waukesha Wizard."
• 1949-1963 - Married to Colleen Summers, changing her professional name to Mary Ford.
• Formed a duo featuring Mary's multi-tracked vocals and his superb guitaristry.
• They were incredibly successful as crossover artists, hitting both the country and the pop charts.
• 1952 - Les Paul's classic Gold Top guitar debuted. It became one of the world's most popular guitars.
• 1954 - Paul built the first 8 track recorder.
• Les Paul's inventive guitar style has made him a legend in his own time.
• Mary Ford spent the last part of her life in a coma before dying on Oct. 1, 1977.
• 1983 - Les Paul won The Grammy Trustees Award.
• 1988 - He was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Tennessee Waltz"(Dec., 1950)#6, "Mockin' Bird Hill" (Feb., 1951)#2, "How High The Moon"(March, 1951)#1-9 wks. (NARAS Hall Of Fame Recording), "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise" (Aug., 1951)#2, "Just One More Chance"(Oct., 1951)#5, "Tiger Rag" (Jan., 1952)#2, "Bye Bye Blues"(Jan., 1953)#5, "Vaya Con Dios" (June, 1953)#1-11 wks., "I'm A Fool To Care"(July, 1954)#6 and "Hummingbird"(July, 1955)#7.

LOUIS PRIMA & KEELY SMITH

• Louis Prima (Dec. 7, 1911 - Aug. 24, 1978)
• Trumpeter/singer/songwriter/bandleader born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Keely Smith (Dorothy Keely Smith) (March 9, 1932 – )
• Singer born in Norfolk, Virginia.
• Prima, a respected jazz trumpeter, co-wrote "A Sunday Kind Of Love" and "Sing Sing Sing."
• Prima played with Red Nichols before forming Prima's New Orleans Gang.
• 1934 - Prima came to New York, establishing himself among the clubs on West 52nd Street (aka: "Swing Street").
• 1950 - Smith joined Prima's group as vocalist.
• 1952-1961 - The two were married.
• Smith was the striking Irish/Indian girl with the dead-pan face and the glorious, sultry smoky voice.
• As a duo, they became the rage in Las Vegas, appearing with Sam Butera and The Witnesses. Their jazzy R&B hybrid style was ahead of its time and their playful vocals, sounding effortless and cool, were actually quite complicated.
• Sonny And Cher later used some of their schtick as the premise for their act.
• Prima's version of "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody" was later covered by David Lee Roth in the 1980's.
• 1962 - Smith went solo after their divorce, her most memorable recording being "I Wish You Love"(May, 1956). She also dueted with Frank Sinatra on "How Are Ya' Fixed For Love?"(May, 1958) #22.
• Hits include "Oh Babe"(Nov., 1950)#12, "That Old Black Magic" (Nov., 1958)#18 and "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen"(July, 1959)#69.
• Recommended Prima track - "The Lady In Red"(May, 1935) (Louis Prima & His New Orleans Gang featuring clarinetist Pee Wee Russell).
• Recommended Smith solo album, "Swingin' Pretty"(1959) featuring classic songs such as "Stardust" and "Stormy Weather."

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 7: Swing
• Chapter 12: The Musical - Stage And Film
• Chapter 13: Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret
• Chapter 19: The Great 1950'S Pop Stars

BIBLIOGRAPHY