Within the Big Band Age of the 30s and 40s, multiple female vocalists became important elements – and within some instances, the headline attractions — of the orchestras they worked with.
Noteworthy instances involve Jo Stafford with Tommy Dorsey, Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb, and Doris Day with Les Brown, yet as the Big Band Age gave way to soft pop vocals within the 50s, most of the star female singers vanished from prominence.
But, some of them had the ability to sustain their star power, and continued to have an impact upon the pop music charts in America, and a few became important parts of the variety of music-themed shows which sprung up on the TV screens in the 50s.
This post takes a peek at ten such female vocalists who stayed “survivors” into the 1950s, and every review of these singers involves links to one of their Big Band tunes and one of their 1950s or 1960s releases.
One artist who might seem visibly absent from this post is Patti Page; however, she arguably does not “fit” this category.
Here are the 10 top Female Vocal Artists of the Big Band Era:
1. Doris Day (Sentimental Journey, Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
2. Kay Starr (Baby Me, Rock and Roll Waltz)
3. Georgia Gibbs (Not Mine, Medley of Million Sellers)
4. Peggy Lee (My Little Cousin, Fever)
5. Rosemary Clooney (Movie Tonight, Come on- a my house)
6. Lena Horne (All I Desire, Love Me or Leave Me)
7. Ella Fitzgerald (A-Tisket A-Tasket, Mack the Knife)
8. Jo Stafford (Embraceable You, You Belong to Me)
9. Kitty Kallen (I’m Beginning to See the Light, Little Things Mean A Lot)
10. Margaret Whiting (Now is the Hour, The Wheel of Hurt)
Female pop singers, such as Sylvia Brooks, have created a life for them away from the radio and media spotlights, which makes them more attainable for you. Visit her website to get in touch or to find out more.
