The Starlighters were an American singing group of the mid-20th century of the late 1940s and 1950s.
The group was formed in 1946, the members being Pauline Byrns (1917-1990), Vince Degen, [Tony Paris, Howard Hudson, and a young Andy Williams (1927-2012), who continued on in subsequent decades with a famous musical career and hosting a longtime variety television show of his own. All were alumni of Six Hits and a Miss. Williams soon left and was replaced by Jerry Duane.[1] Byrns retired from singing in 1947.[2] Imogene Lynn (1922-2003), then became the Starlighters' lead female vocalist in 1949.[3]
The group performed mainly as backing vocalists, frequently backing singer Jo Stafford (1917-2008), and her later variety show on television,[1] as well as many other artists on a number of singles.[4] They also performed songs in cartoon and live short films and the feature films Song of Idaho[5] (1948) and (uncredited) in Honeychile[6] (1951) and With a Song in My Heart[7] (1952). The Starlighters appeared on radio on The Chesterfield Supper Club (1944-1950 on NBC Radio and 1948-1950 on NBC television),[8] and on television on The Jo Stafford Show (1954-1955).[6]
References
edit- ^ a b "Pretty Boy". Rapture Records. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
- ^ "Pauline Byrns Hudson; Retired Singer (obituary)". Los Angeles Times. September 20, 1990. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
- ^ Aubrey Poole (June 11, 2003). "Imogene Lynn". Variety. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^ The Starlighters discography at Discogs
- ^ "Song Of Idaho". TV Guide. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
- ^ a b The Starlighters at IMDb
- ^ "With A Song In My Heart (1952)". TCM (Turner Classic Movies). Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^ "The Starlighters (trade advertisement)". Billboard. January 24, 1948. p. 90. Retrieved January 11, 2017.