Biography
Irene Daye possessed a polished voice suited to the swing era and came near stardom while still young. She launched her career by touring with Jan Murphy’s orchestra after signing on just weeks before her intended high-school graduation in 1935. She briefly returned to receive her diploma, though the credential proved unnecessary. After two years with Murphy she spent a brief interval with Mal Hallett, then entered Gene Krupa’s ranks in May 1938. Her delivery was pleasing and gently rhythmic; she embellished lines with restraint yet stayed faithful to each song’s melody and lyric. Across 63 recordings made with Krupa she lent conviction to every selection, including weaker material, and achieved notice on “Jeepers Creepers,” “Bolero at the Savoy,” “The Lady’s in Love with You,” “Drummin’ Man,” “The Rumba Jumps,” “Rhumboogie,” and “Yes, My Darling Daughter.” Her final session with the band, on 17 January 1941, produced her largest success, “Drum Boogie.” That same performance supplied the vocal track for the film Ball of Fire, where she dubbed the part for Barbara Stanwyck.
At twenty-three Daye elected to leave the profession and wed trumpeter Corky Cornelius. Remaining with Krupa, whose fortunes were about to crest, would likely have placed her on “Let Me Off Uptown” in place of Anita O’Day. While Cornelius moved to the Casa Loma Orchestra, Daye embraced domestic life and gave birth to a daughter in 1943. Cornelius died suddenly the next year, prompting Daye to resume work to provide for herself and the child. She spent six years with the Charlie Spivak Orchestra yet scored no substantial successes. In 1950 she married Spivak and withdrew from performance altogether, thereafter managing his professional affairs; the union endured until her death in 1971.
At twenty-three Daye elected to leave the profession and wed trumpeter Corky Cornelius. Remaining with Krupa, whose fortunes were about to crest, would likely have placed her on “Let Me Off Uptown” in place of Anita O’Day. While Cornelius moved to the Casa Loma Orchestra, Daye embraced domestic life and gave birth to a daughter in 1943. Cornelius died suddenly the next year, prompting Daye to resume work to provide for herself and the child. She spent six years with the Charlie Spivak Orchestra yet scored no substantial successes. In 1950 she married Spivak and withdrew from performance altogether, thereafter managing his professional affairs; the union endured until her death in 1971.