Frances Wayne (born Chiarina Francesca Bartocci[1] or Clara Bertocci, August 26, 1924 – February 6, 1978) was an American jazz vocalist. She was best known for her recording of "Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe."[1]
She moved to New York City in her teens, where she sang in an ensemble led by her brother, saxophonist Nick Jerret.[3] A 1942 review in Billboard magazine described her as "a striking brunette with a true contralto, perfect rhythm, and, most interesting, a brand-new style...of deep understanding and feeling for the spirit of what she sings."[4]
On radio, Wayne was the female vocalist on The Woody Herman Show.[6] She received the 1946 Esquire Award as Best New Female Vocalist.[7]
Personal lifeedit
On November 2, 1945, in Somerville, Massachusetts, Wayne married musician Neal Hefti,[8] who played trumpet and arranged material for Herman.[5] They remained together until her death.[7]
Deathedit
On February 6, 1978, Wayne died in Boston at age 58 after suffering from cancer over an extended period.[1]
^ abcdFeather, Leonard (February 10, 1978). "Frances Wayne Dies; Singer in Big Band Era". The Los Angeles Times. California, Los Angeles. p. Part IV 28. Retrieved September 26, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^"Somerville Band Singer to Wed in Midnight Ceremony". The Boston Globe. Massachusetts, Boston. October 31, 1945. p. 18. Retrieved September 26, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^Carter (April 4, 1942). "On the Stand: Nick Jerret" (PDF). Billboard. p. 21. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
^ abSimon, George T. (1981). Simon Says, 4th Edition. Schirmer Books. ISBN 0-02-872430-5 P. 36.
^Terrace, Vincent (1999). Radio Programs, 1924-1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows. McFarland & Company, Inc. pp. 358–359. ISBN 978-0-7864-4513-4.
^ ab"Frances Hefti, professional singer". The Boston Globe. Massachusetts, Boston. February 12, 1978. p. 43. Retrieved September 26, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^"Nuptials at Midnight". The Boston Globe. Massachusetts, Boston. November 5, 1945. p. 5. Retrieved September 26, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^Orodenker, M.H. (January 30, 1943). "On the Records: Charlie Barnet" (PDF). Billboard. p. 22. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
^"Music Popularity Chart" (PDF). Billboard. April 22, 1944. p. 17. Retrieved 15 April 2016.