Helen Forrest - A 100th Birthday Salute

She was one of the greatest singers of the big band era. She sang with three of the most popular big bands. Her name is Helen Forrest and she was born on April 12, 1917. I missed her birthday back in April so today we are going to be listening to some of the many sides that Helen recorded with Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and Harry James. When she left the James band Helen went on to a very successful solo career. She died in 1999. I hope you enjoy this birthday salute to the great Helen Forrest. Tune in tonight for Big Band Bash only on KTXK stereo 91.5 Texarkana Fine Arts Radio. Sign up for the Big Band Bash podcast on ITunes if you can't tune in or listen on line at TuneIn.com.
Thanks so much for listening.

Here is a short biography of Helen from Allmusic.com:

One of the more popular big-band-era singers, a performer that some might not consider a jazz vocalist, but one with exceptional ability to project lyrics and also an excellent interpreter. Forrest used several names early in her career, among them the Blue Lady and Bonnie Blue.
She began singing in her brother's band in Washington, D.C., then was featured in Artie Shaw's band after Billie Holiday left in 1938. Forrest joined Benny Goodman when Shaw disbanded in 1939, staying until 1941. She recorded with Nat King Cole's trio and Lionel Hampton in 1940, then began to score hits working with the Harry James orchestra. During the early '40s, she had string of successes. Later she teamed with Dick Haymes on his radio show and on six duets that were big hits. Forrest cut back her activity in the '50s, then sang with Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra led by Sam Donahue in the early '60s. She continued to work on the club circut in the '70s and '80s, making a new album for Stash in 1983. Forrest died July 11, 1999 at age 82.

 Go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Forrest for a more complete biography as well as a listing of charted singles.