Big-band singer
Beryl Davis was born in England; the daughter of bandleader Harry Davis, she spent her formative years on tour with her father's orchestra, eventually becoming the act's featured vocalist. Subsequently touring Europe with
Stéphane Grappelli,
George Shearing, and
Ted Heath, in 1944
Davis was recruited to join Glenn Miller's Army Air Force Orchestra, and after
Miller's death also performed for the troops with
Johnny Desmond and the Crew Chiefs. Spotted by
Bob Hope, she made her Hollywood debut on his show, next spending a year singing alongside
Frank Sinatra on Your Hit Parade; tenures with
Benny Goodman,
Vaughn Monroe, and
David Rose followed, and in 1954
Davis joined with
Jane Russell,
Rhonda Fleming, and
Connie Haines to form a popular gospel quartet that scored a series of hits, including "Do Lord." She continued carrying the big-band torch in the decades to follow, performing with
Mel Tormé, the Gene Krupa Orchestra, and
the Kay Kyser Band in addition to touring in A Salute to Glenn Miller.
Davis died in October of 2011 of complications from Alzheimer's disease. She was 87. ~ Jason Ankeny