- Popular singer in 1940s/50s. Hits included "Cow Cow Boogie" and "Milkman Keep Those Bottles Quiet."
- Came from a musical family, her father was a drummer and mother a pianist.
- Her recording of "Cow Cow Boogie" was the first million-selling single for Capitol Records. (1942)
- Her biggest hit was "The Blacksmith Blues" released on 16 February 1952. It was on the hit charts for 22-weeks and reached the Number 3 position.
- Married a number of times and had six children in all.
- Often mistaken as a black singer because of her flavorful R&B touch, she is said to have greatly influenced the rock-and-roll style of the 50s. Elvis Presley often credited her for teaching him how to sing.
- Stopped recording in 1957 but continued to perform live in such venues as Disneyland until 1987.
- Signed by Jimmy Dorsey at the age of 14 (she lied about her age and said she was 19) and was subsequently fired after discovering the truth about her age.
- She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1724 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
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