DOuG pRATt

Jo Stafford and the Pied Pipers

The more I see, and hear, and know about Jo Stafford, the more impressed I am. D. F. Rogers could write a better appreciation of her than I could (hint).

Tommy Dorsey, Chuck Lowry, Jo Stafford, Frank Sinatra, Clark Yocum, John Huddleston

This appears to be the best copy of that photo you’ll find on the Net. Click to see it full size. I scanned it from an LP in my collection. That’s Jo Stafford next to Frank Sinatra in 1940, when Jo was all of 22, before she married to her first husband, John Huddleston, who’s on the right. Calling themselves the Pied Pipers, they sang with Tommy Dorsey’s band and backed up Sinatra on “I’ll Never Smile Again,” recorded March 23, 1940.

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Jo is featured more prominently with Sinatra on “Stardust,” recorded November 11, 1940.

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I’ll have more of the remarkable Jo Stafford, coming up.

2 comments July 18th, 2008

2002 Honda CR-V A/C Talk

Honda of America called, and we discussed a compromise for “out of warranty” work on replacing the air conditioner. Without stating a dollar amount, I told him in what way I’m willing to be flexible. He’s contacting the dealership, and I might have a decision before the end of the day.

Add comment July 18th, 2008

Jo Stafford 1917-2008

With sadness, we note the passing of singer Jo Stafford, whose 90th birthday was noted here last November. D.F. Rogers would like to point out Jo’s obituary in the Boston Globe (sourced from the L.A. Times), and a more comprehensive biography in The Telegraph. I’ll post another Stafford song or two tonight.

2 comments July 18th, 2008