Doris Day – The Swing-band Vocalist and Hollywood Actress

You might remember Doris Day as one of the very charming Hollywood actresses, or at the best, the singer of ‘Que Sera Sera’. But what you are not aware of is the fact that there was much more to the identity of this singer-cum-actress. Back in those times, only a few could parallel or match the success achieved by Day. Having started her journey as a vocalist in swing big bands, Day did not want to become a singer but a dancer during her childhood. Yes, you read that right. So, what made her change the decision? Are you interested to get a sneak peek into the life of this legendary artist who aced at being a phenomenal vocalist as well as a ravishing actress? Even today, her best-selling albums are played on the swing music station in the USA and enjoyed by the music admirers worldwide. To know what made her so famous and popular, you may continue reading below.

Childhood and Early Career

Born as Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff, the singer had taken dance lessons since age six, but her dream to become a dancer was shattered as she encountered a serious automobile accident that injured her leg. In the meantime, while recuperating from her illness, Doris gradually developed a liking for music created by The Dorsey Brothers and Benny Goodman. Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, she even practiced music and developed her unique style of singing. It was her voice trainer Grace Raine who motivated her to make music her career. Credit goes to Raine for giving Doris an opportunity to perform on a Cincinnati radio station. Her rendition of the song ‘Day After Day’ earned her the recognition she craved. Encouraged by the popularity, she also shortened her name and changed it to what we have popularly called her - Doris Day.

Association with the Big Bands

In 1939, Doris Day got the chance to become a vocalist in Bob Crosby’s band. At the age of 17, she auditioned and bagged her first opportunity to collaborate with a star bandleader of those times. While singing for Crosby’s band, Doris Day worked with several other sidemen like Zeke Zarchy, William Stegmeyer, and Bob Haggart. However, Day took the big decision of quitting Crosby’s band and joined Les Brown’s orchestra. And that was all it took to soar her career to the top! With hits like “My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time” and “Sentimental Journey”, Day became one of the most successful big band singers in the world. Her songs were cherished by all and played incessantly on the jazz music radio station in the USA. After ruling the music industry, the diva was now set to try her luck in Hollywood…

Acting and Recording Career

Doris Day became a star overnight as her first movie “Romance on the High Seas” became a massive hit at the box office. She struck the right balance between acting and singing career, as Day signed major films and recorded major hits simultaneously. Interestingly from the 1950s, she shed the jazzy undertones and recorded a greater number of pop songs like “Secret Love”, and the Academy Award Winning “Que Sera Sera”. However, with the advent of rock music, the limelight was shifted to the new-age singers, sidelining Doris Day from the prevailing and the then current music culture.

Closing Thought – Along with tumultuous family life, Doris Day also struggled on her career front after going bankrupt. But in the late 1960s, she made a comeback with her comedy show on the CBS network. Additionally, she also focussed on Doris Day Animal Foundation. In 2019, she died because of pneumonia at 97. To keep celebrating her life, career, legacy, you can tune into swing jazz radio and request her tracks to be played. For further information, visit Swing Street Radio website.