The Music's Over

but the songs live on forever

Easy Listening Gospel Jazz Singer

Died On This Date (October 28, 2011) Beryl Davis / Popular Big Band Singer

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Beryl Davis
March 16, 1924 – October 28, 2011

Beryl Davis was a popular British big band singer who got her start fronting her father’s (Harry Davis) band during the 1940s.  During WWII, Davis entertained the Allied troops, and it was around this time she was discovered by Glenn Miller who hired her to sing in the Army Air Force Orchestra.  She also toured Europe with Stephane Grappelli and George Shearing during that period.  She eventually moved to Los Angeles where she sang with Frank Sinatra for about a year on Your Hit Parade.  In 1954, Davis formed the Gospel quartet, the Four Girls, with Rhonda Fleming, Jane Russell, and Connie Haines.  They released several hit albums and singles including perhaps their most popular, “Do Lord.”  Beryl Davis died from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease on October 28, 2011. She was 87.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

 

Easy Listening Jazz Musician Singer

Died On This Date (July 3, 1986) Rudy Vallee / Jazz Singer & Bandleader

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Rudy Vallee
July 28, 1901 – July 3, 1986

With Elvis Presley

Rudy Vallee was a popular band leader, singer, musician and actor who is, by most accounts, the first of what we would call “crooners.”  He became so popular during the ’30s and ’40s that his appearances would stir up an immediate frenzy not seen again until perhaps Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and the Beatles.  His mostly female crowds were so loud, he began using a megaphone to sing through the microphones.  That megaphone became his trademark.    Vallee also acted in several films opposite the likes of Claudette Colbert and Jane Russell.  Vallee continued to work well into the ’80s when he actually opened for the Village People on a few occasions.  Rudy Vallee died of natural causes at 84 on July 3, 1986.

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Rudy Vallée

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