Died On This Date (July 16, 2008) Jo Stafford / American Vocalist
themusicsover 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.
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