I wanted to focus on a singer today, and got the best of both worlds with Doris Day. Not only did she have an amazing voice, but was a very talented actress as well. Born Doris Von Kappelhoff, in 1924, "While still a teenager, she changed her last name to Day when she began singing on radio. She worked as a vocalist in the bands of Barney Rapp and Bob Crosby before joining Les Brown's band in 1940 and making several popular recordings, among them “Sentimental Journey.” Day went solo in 1947 and achieved great success as a recording artist. Her singing was distinguished by crystal-clear tone and the ability to convey great emotion without histrionics."
Doris made 39 films and recorded over 650 songs. She had that "good girl" image that was often in contrast with some of the sexy film sirens of the day. One of my favorite songs, "Que Sera Sera," (which is on my playlist) won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), and it ultimately became her signature song.
After things started to become more "free" in America in the 60's, her films were not as popular with some any longer. She had a wholesome appearance, some even calling her "the world's oldest virgin."
Doris had some financial troubles, because of poor choices made by her 3rd husband, Marty Melcher. Melcher died April 20, 1968. "After nearly two decades as a top star, Day was shocked to discover that her husband of 17 years and his business partner Jerome Bernard Rosenthal had squandered her earnings, leaving her deeply in debt. Rosenthal had been her attorney since the late 1940s, and he represented her in May 31, 1949, in her uncontested divorce action against her second husband, songwriter, George W. Weidler. In February 1969, Day filed suit against Rosenthal and won the then-largest civil judgment (over $20 million) until that time in the state of California."
Doris still lives in Carmel, CA, under a different name, Clara Kapelhoff. She still remains one of the most loved actresses and singers of all time. Here are some photos I love of the wholesome Doris Day.
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