I never knew or met Jo Stafford. I had never heard of her (unfortunately) before her death this week at age 90.
But I feel a bit like the great Tom Lehrer felt on reading the obituary of Alma Mahler Gropius Werfel — wow.
According to The New York Times, Jo Stafford:
- Was the real sweetheart voice of WWII, "the vocal embodiment of every serviceman’s dream girl faithfully tending the home fires." She was known as G.I. Jo.
- Invented what became the act of Roger Miller, Al Yankovic and others with her 1947 hit "Tim-tayshun."
- Won the Grammy for best comedy album in 1961.
- Backed-up Frank Sinatra when he was with the Tommy Dorsey band.
- Was one of the first female stars for Capitol Records, which Sinatra later made famous.
- Taught Americans to appreciate Appalachian folk music, a key bridge in the development of country music.
- Created the first concept albums, including a Broadway album.
- Made a real live hit in 1977, a comedic version of the BeeGees’ Stayin’ Alive.
- Saw her hits re-released on her husband’s Corinthian Records, a religious label.
Think about it. Hits spanning 35 years. Big band hits, comedy hits,
Broadway hits. Concept albums. Country albums. Even disco! And
religious music.
All from one woman, who by the way also managed a long, happy marriage
with her composer and arranger, Paul Weston, raising a son and a
daughter, and being survived by four grandchildren.
It’s a big wonderful world when a life like that can go right by you. It’s humbling. Blessings to her son, daughter, grandchildren, and all the surviving veterans of The War.
