Signature

Formed in 1954 at Seattle’s Servicemen’s Center in Washington, the Signatures brought together lead singer Cathi Hayes, tenor Lee Humes, alto Ruth Alcivar, baritone Jerry Hayes and bass Bob Alcivar. Their sound stood out for its two female voices and a clear affinity for both jazz and doo-wop, while the members also played multiple instruments—Cathi Hayes on vibes, Ruth Alcivar on drums, Humes on bass, Bob Alcivar on piano and Jerry Hayes on guitar. Their first significant appearance occurred before a large jazz orchestra assembled by local disc jockey Norm Bobrow, after which the group became regular fixtures on the jazz scene. One year later the Hayes siblings departed, succeeded on lead by Bunny Phillips and in the bass role by former Four Freshmen member Hal Kratzsch, a versatile multi-instrumentalist. The ensemble made its recording debut in July 1956 with an album for Whippet Records.

The release moved steadily and was matched by sales of the single “Julie Is Her Name.” Subsequent bookings at prominent New York jazz venues attracted the attention of Count Basie, who urged Morris Levy of Roulette Records to sign the group; instead the Signatures remained with earlier supporter Stan Kenton, who secured them a contract with Warner Brothers Records. Their follow-up album earned further favorable attention and served as the springboard for national tours alongside leading jazz figures such as Dizzy Gillespie. As that album appeared, Phillips was succeeded on lead by Dottie Dunn while Don Purdy replaced Humes. Plans for a tribute collection honoring Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn were abandoned, and the ensemble issued Prepared To Flip instead before performing at Chicago’s Playboy Jazz Festival. The rise of rock ’n’ roll during the 1960s ultimately ended their run, and after additional tours the group disbanded. Most former members took up ordinary employment, although Cathi Hayes later released a solo jazz album. Bob Alcivar and his wife Ruth relocated to Los Angeles, where he continues to compose for films and she works as a painter.