Jo Stafford
November 12, 1917 – July 16, 2008
Jo Stafford was one of America’s greatest voices over a career that spanned some forty years. Stafford’s first job of note was singing back-up on Fred Astaire’s soundtrack to A Damsel In Distress. Stafford soon joined the vocal group, the Pied Pipers whose popularity grew thanks in part, to their regular appearances on Tommy Dorsey’s radio program. Besides backing Frank Sinatra on several of his early records, the Pied Pipers were one of the first acts signed to Capitol Records. Over the course of her long career, Stafford recorded numerous hits including “You Belong To Me,” “The Trolley Song” and “Say Something Sweet To Your Sweetheart” (with Gordon MacRae). Jo Stafford died of congestive heart failure at the age of 90.
What You Should Own
She was a wonderful vocalist, and the one time I was able to communicate with her, she was warm and pleased to know she had teen-age fans even in the 1980’s. Whether it was her “I’ll Walk Alone”, her cover of “Staying Alive” as Darlene Edwards, or her “Prisoner of Love” with Red Ingle, she showed incredible talent. I’ll hold on to every single shellac disk of hers I have–just so I can enjoy her voice.
Her version of “You Belong To Me” was the best, and still thrills me!
A wonderful, wonderful musician.