Doris Day (1949)

Doris Day was one of few surviving Hollywood stars of her time period. She was born in 1924 as Doris Mary Anne. During the 30’s, Doris was influenced by music and dancing. Originally she wanted to pursue dancing as a career until she was injured in a car accident. By the age of 17 she performed locally and adopted the stage name “Day.” Doris worked with many bandleaders such as Bob Crosby, and eventually Les Brown. Between this all, she married trombonist Al Jordan, gave birth to her son, and divorced him. In 1945 she co-wrote a song with Les Brown called “Sentimental Journey.” This song personified the sentiments of weary homecoming demobilized troops after war service in Europe. After her second hit record with Les Brown, Doris went solo in 1947 with a contract from Colombia records and radio work with Frank Sinatra. This eventually led to her second divorce with George Weidler. An invitation to sing at a Hollywood party eventually led to her first film. As the years passed Doris continued to star in films at Warner Brothers. In 1952 she married her agent Marty Melcher who controlled her career including the one to end her contract with Warner Brothers. In 1957, though, she returned to Warner Brothers to produce the film “The Pajama Game.” As the years went on, sex appeal became more prevalent in films, which brought down Day’s popularity in the box office. She still managed to star in small roles and continue her singing career.