Starr, Kay (1922–)

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Starr, Kay (1922–)

American pop and band singer. Born Katherine LaVerne Starks, July 21, 1922, in Dougherty, OK; dau. of Harry Starks (laborer and full-blooded Iroquois) and Annie Starks (of Irish descent).

Had her own radio show, "Starr Time," on WREC in Memphis and was a featured singer on the station's "Saturday Night Jamboree"; began singing with Joe Venuti's band (1937); also sang with orchestras of Bob Crosby, Glenn Miller, and Charlie Barnet; while with Barnet, made 1st recordings, most notably "Share Croppin' Blues"; contracted pneumonia and lost voice (1945); upon recovery, was left with a deeper, huskier sound, a sound that would become her trademark; signed with Capitol (1947); had 1st hit with her cover of Russ Morgan's "So Tired" (1949), followed by such hits as "Hoop-Dee-Doo," "Bonaparte's Retreat," "I'm the Lonesomest Gal in Town," "Side by Side," "Angry," "I'll Never Be Free" (with Tennessee Ernie Ford), "Changing Partners," and "Wheel of Fortune," which earned her her 1st gold record and was the #2 top-selling single of 1952; featured in the revue 4 Girls 4 (1980s).

See also Women in World History.