Biography
Renowned for his silky tenor, this American vocalist with the popular bands rose to prominence through his association with Sammy Kaye’s “swing and sway” orchestra between 1938 and 1943. During that period he lent his voice to several of the group’s major successes, among them the chart-topping “Rosalie,” “Love Walked In,” and “Dream Valley.” Additional recordings that found favor included “Sometimes I’m Happy,” “All Ashore,” “Carolina Moon,” “They Say,” “We’ve Come A Long Way Together,” “Last Night’s Gardenias,” “Make Believe Island,” “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square,” “Harbour Of Dreams,” “Minka,” “On The Street Of Regret,” “Johnny Doughboy Found A Rose In Ireland,” and “My Buddy.” After departing Kaye he moved to Blue Barron’s sweet orchestra, assuming temporary leadership while Barron served in the US Armed Forces. In the late 1940s he fronted his own ensemble, and in the early 1950s he took part in a radio program devoted to song performances.