Kerr, Anita (1927–)

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Kerr, Anita (1927–)

American singer, pianist, and musical arranger. Born Anita Jean Grilli, Oct 31, 1927, in Memphis, TN; m. 2nd husband, Alex Grob.

Major contributor to Nashville country-pop sound (1960s), performed on mother's Memphis radio show as a child; formed Anita Kerr Singers (1949), which debuted on Red Foley recording "Our Lady of Fatima" (1950) and made later appearances at Grand Ole Opry; provided arrangements and back-up for such country-pop singers as Jim Reeves ("He'll Have to Go" and "Welcome to My World"), Skeeter Davis ("End of the World"), and Bobby Bare ("Detroit City"); led Anita Kerr Quartet, including Gil Wright (tenor), Dottie Dillard (alto), and Louis Nunley (baritone); did orchestral arrangement for RCA; made charts with LPs The Anita Kerr Singers Reflect on the Music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David and Velvet Voices and Bold Brass; also wrote instrumental music for several poetry albums by Rod McKuen; formed another singing group, Mexicali Singers.

See also Women in World History.