#933 (2/15/20)

SPOTLIGHT ON LOUIS PRIMA - PART THREE (JUDY LYNN)

"Nosy-Body" Louis Prima And His Orchestra Vocal by Louis Prima And Judy Lynn on Majestic 1076 A released in 1946

"Aren't I Your Sweetheart" Judy Lynn And The Sweetland Singers on Coral 60757 released in 1952

"Pretty Bride" Judy Lynn And The Ray Charles Quartet on Coral 60757 released in 1952

"Lover Be Careful" Judy Lynn Multiple Voice Backing on Coral 60876 released in 1952

Judy Lynn was Louis Prima's featured female vocalist in 1946, played in theatrical productions (with a major role in the Broadway hit "Top Banana"), had eight records released on the Coral label (1952-1953), and performed in many and various TV shows throughout the 1950s (including "Three's Company", "Sing It Again" and "The Big Payoff").

Information on the back of this photo: "HERE TO STAY...Judy Lynn becomes the permanent vocalist on CBS-TV's "The Big Payoff" beginning August 5. The mink-coat quiz is seen Monday through Friday at 3 p.m., EDT." The photo is date-stamped "AUG 6, 1957".

NOTE: She is NOT the country and western singer Judy Lynn.)

Above: Clipping for TV show "The Big Payoff" from a TV MAGAZINE dated October 21, 1957. Picture of Judy Lynn is at lower right.

Above Left: DAILY NEWS, August 17, 1946: NEWARK'S CHOICE Judy Lynn, who sings, will represent Newark, N.J., in the Miss America contest in Atlantic City. She's five six, weighs 118, has a 35-inch bust and hips and a 24-inch waist. Above Middle: BROOKLYN DAILY EAGLE, January 12, 1947: QUEEN Judy Lynn, Brooklyn-born singer, has been chosen queen of the March of Dimes Ball, to be staged Wednesday at the Palm Beach Hotel, Florida. Above Right: MIAMI HERALD, August 10, 1947: IT'S NOT ALL WORK for Judy Lynn, Blackamoor singing star. Here she's getting a bit of play at the Vanderbilt Hotel swimming pool.

Above Left: MIAMI NEWS, July 25, 1947. Above Right Top: EVENING INDEPENDENT, October 11, 1947. Above Right Bottom: OTTAWA JOURNAL, April 16, 1948. (NOTE: It's unlikely that Judy Lynn and Frank Lynn were related. Judy from Newark and Frank from Canada.)

Above Left: The Billboard, October 5, 1946. Above Middle Left: CHICAGO TRIBUNE, October 13, 1946. Above Middle Right: DAYTON HERALD, November 11, 1946. Above Right: JOURNAL HERALD, November 8, 1946.

Above Left: CHICAGO TRIBUNE, November 23, 1952: Above is Judy Lynn, the singing ingenue (with songs by Johnny Mercer) in "Top Banana". The festivities, starring Phil Silvers, begin tomorrow night in the Great Northern theater.... [*ingénue is an innocent or unsophisticated young woman, a role type in the theater.] Above Right: JOURNAL HERALD, November 2, 1946.

Above: DAYTON DAILY NEWS, November 3, 1946: KEITH'S—On the stage—Louis Prima and his orchestra, with Judy Lynn—Nov. 7.

Above: MIAMI HERALD, August 1, 1947: RIVALRY has no place in this after-hours get-together of the nitery stars at Mammy's. Left to right are Eddie Feinstein, son of Mammy's owners; Aurora Roche and Carlyle, Clover Club dancing stars; Judy Lynn, NBC television artist now at Blackamoor; and Leon Kramer, who just closed at the Copa and opens at Olympia on Sept. 10.

Above Left: MIAMI HERALD, January 19, 1950: NEW SHOWS tonight include the addition of Judy Lynn's lyrics to the Jackie Miles Show at Five O'Clock Club.... Above Right: PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, October 31, 1947: NIGHT CLUB ENTERTAINERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT—....Judy Lynn at Embassy Club....

Above Left: INDIANAPOLIS STAR, November 10, 1946: Judy Lynn is vocalist with the Italian jazz master, Louis Prima and his orchestra, at the Circle opening Thursday. Above Middle: CHICAGO TRIBUNE, September 15, 1946: PRIMA'S VOCALIST Louis Prima may "play pretty for the people", but his vocalist, Judy Lynn, IS pretty for the people. They are the current attraction in the College Inn of the Hotel Sherman. Above Right: CHICAGO TRIBUNE, April 29, 1951: SINGS IT AGAIN Judy Lynn, with singing partner Alan Dale, vocalizes the tuneful parodies on WBKB and WBBM's Sing It Again, simulcast Saturdays at 9 p.m.

Above Left: INDIANAPOLIS STAR, November 13, 1946. "Prima-tive Rhythms" "Swingland's Master of Low Down Melody" Above Right: INDIANAPOLIS STAR, November 19, 1946.

Above Left: DAILY TIMES, June 29, 1946. Above Right: NAUGATUK DAILY NEWS, December 3, 1948.

Above Left: DAILY NEWS, April 22, 1952: "TOP" FIGURE Judy Lynn plays the singing ingenue in "Top Banana", musical comedy at the Winter Garden, which has its 200th performance tomorrow night. Above Middle: CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, November 9, 1952: CINCINNATIAN Danny Scholl is the singing lead in Phil Silvers' "Top Banana" (The Taft on Monday, November 17). The gal is Judy Lynn. Above Right: MORNING CALL, September 14, 1950: FAIR ENLISTEE Lovely Judy Lynn, CBS songbird and newest member of the Call Save-A-Child Fund's talent corps, is interviewed by Norman Logan, Call's special events representative. Miss Lynn will be featured in Logan's weekly television column this Saturday. She may be seen and heard in her own CBS TV show every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7:45 o'clock. She will also be remembered for her recent appearance at the Lou Costello premiere.

Above: SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, October 8, 1950: Robert Q. Lewis catches Judy Lynn with 1950's version of jack-in-the-box: snakes in a beer can. (NOTE: Lewis was a radio and TV personality, game show host, and actor.)

Above Left: Judy Lynn shaking hands with Sidney J. Colby, Manager of the Hotel Algonquin in New York City, circa 1951. She is sitting next to Ben Bodne, Owner of the Hotel Algonquin. Above Right: Judy Lynn talking with Ben Bodne, Owner of the Hotel Algonquin in New York City.

Above: THE CASH BOX, June 4, 1952: BIRTHDAY PARTY NEW YORK—Gallagher and O'Brien, who hold forth over WMCA every morning, celebrated a birthday the other week and New York's record world turned out to wish them luck. Above are several members of the music fraternity who showed up: left to right, Bill Darnell, Judy Lynn, Joe O'Brien, Jack Rael (one of the show's sponsers, not Patti Page's associate), Jilla Webb, Burt Taylor, Roger Gallagher, Eddie (Piano) Miller, Kay Armen, and Danny Davis.

ARTICLES AND BLURBS.... PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, April 2, 1945: GENE HOOVER'S MUSICAL UNIT OPENS AT OASIS Pat Caramela has engaged Gene Hoover and his Rhythmaires, an instrumental, singing, and comedy novelty act, to entertain in the Starlight Room of his Oasis, Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon, beginning tonight. Judy Lynn is the featured vocalist with the unit. DAILY NEWS, August 18, 1946: BEG PARDON In some editions of Saturday's News, a caption accompanying a photo of Judy Lynn said she will represent Newark, N.J., in the Miss America contest at Atlantic City. Miss Lynn is merely one of the entries in the contest. The Newark representative at Atlantic City has not yet been chosen. THE RECORD, August 24, 1946: PRIMA USES HOT TRIO Louis Prima, now playing with his orchestra at the Meadowbrook, features a strong vocal trio in Jack Powers, Judy Lynn, and funny Frank Federico, showing that "da Preem", winner of Metronome's award for being the outstanding showman of the year, does not solely depend upon his own work. Powers has a baritone voice reminiscent somewhat of Bing Crosby. Miss Lynn, recently engaged by Prima, is an attractive Newark brunette with a light soprano voice. Federico provides the comedy. Prima will remain at the Cedar Grove night spot until the end of the month. THE BILLBOARD, September 21, 1946: REVIEW—COLLEGE INN, HOTEL SHERMAN, CHICAGO Louis Prima and his orchestra, with 17 musicians including Lewis and a complement of 23 with singers, opened here and provided a good show for the supper crowd that lasted about 40 minutes.... Prima then gave way to pretty chirp, Judy Lynn, who did a good sales job on the "Boardwalk at Atlantic City". Miss Lynn uses her voice and good looks to full advantage and drew a solid whacking. Tune Timers, a youthful foursome consisting of three girl singers and a boy, joined the maestro in a sock rendition of the novelty tune "The Flea And Fly Got Caught In The Flue". Jack Powers, ork's baritone, brought forth some twitters from the female payees and a good hand from the whole audience for his offering, "Prisoner Of Love".... THE BILLBOARD, November 2, 1946: REVIEW—PALACE, CHICAGO After an absence of almost eight years, Palace, Loop house, brought in a week of vaude to fete its 25th anniversary as RKO Outlet. Besides Louis Prima's ork, a pit band of 14 men opened show with a couple of courses of "This Is My Lucky Day" seguing into Prima's theme. As usual, Prima turns in an ace job as Showman, operating as Dynamo of one of the most animated wait Orcs In The Biz. His current band is best he's fronted. New wrinkle has him talking behind chirps love song, later bringing on Jack Powers, boy vocalist, who wins gal away from the sulking Prima. Brings down the house. Judy Lynn, thrush, is heavy on looks and has adequate voice. Tune Timers, new harmony quartet, make an excellent appearance, and possess a style that's original and listenable. Kids need stage savvy before they rate big mitts in stage p.a.'s.... Tho band worked a whole hour, Pew-sitters didn't mind; Prima kept a torrid pace.... THE BILLBOARD, November 9, 1946: REVIEW—RKO ALBEE, CINCINNATI Louis Prima, solidly backed by a 15-man crew, heads up the current offering, and his expert interspersings of his trumpet tootings and raspy-voiced throatings, plus his general horseplay put it above the average band-show layout. He knows all the tricks and employs them deftly to run off with a click emcee job.... Judy Lynn, eye and ear appealing canary, scored with "Begin The Beguine", which sequed into a cute duet with Jack Powers on "I Don't Want To Be Loved By Anyone Else But You".... MIAMI NEWS, July 24, 1947: TWO NEW ACTS JOIN BLACKAMOOR SHOW The new show, which opens tomorrow night at the Blackamoor Room, will continue to star Lou Vogle, the one-man variety show. Newcomer is Judy Lynn, beautiful songstress, who was formerly featured with Louis Prima's band.... MIAMI NEWS, August 6, 1947: JUDY LYNN HELD OVER Judy Lynn, lovely songstress at the Blackamoor, has been held over for another two weeks at the Blackamoor Room. Her beauty, together with her fine voice, figure, and wardrobe, have made this thrush a "Solid Click " in this room. THE BILLBOARD, May 7, 1949: REVIEW—BILL MILLER'S RIVIERA, FORT LEE, N.J. The production singing chores were capably taken care of by Judy Lynn and Jeffrey clay. Both have excellent voices and both are good looking people. But having them work up-stage and stage-side killed their effect. Miss Lynn showed a very interesting voice, full and rich. With better numbers and more imaginative staging she'd stand out. Clay has a big voice though his numbers gave it little opportunity to be properly heard.... CHIPPEWA HERALD TELEGRAM, September 1, 1949: BECOMES VOCALIST AFTER LOSING FIRST LAW CASE NEW YORK—Judy Lynn pleaded with eloquence, but she lost her first law case and that is the reason that she is today a vocalist and not a lawyer. The shapely Miss Lynn has been a runner-up—only a runner-up—in Miss New Jersey beauty contest. And that was when she decided to concentrate on her studies of law which she had been studying for some time to the consternation of male law students. They found it difficult to pursue Blackstone when this trim figure of a gal was sitting across the aisle. But Miss Lynn needed money for her law career. So, out of hours from her New Jersey Law classes, she began singing with orchestras and in night clubs to earn the wherewithal that would allow her to enter the Harvard Law School. She had progressed to the point, this would-be Portia [the herione in Shakespeare's "The Merchant Of Venice"], where she was an assistant in a Newark law firm, when she was signed to sing in the Riviera Club show just across the New York-New Jersey George Washington Bridge. Then Artie Shaw came along, first heard a recording of her voice, and then talked her out of a law career. "At least temporarily", Miss Lynn added. As for her measurements, Miss Lynn says she doesn't know the here-to-here girth in inches of Portia. As for herself, she is 22; 5 feet 6; 36 bust; 24 waist; and has a twinkle in her eye. Some time ago Artie Shaw abandoned his modern dance band and moved over to doing a program of what he termed classical music. "High falutin, but what is it?" the kids at Bop City used to say when he played some of it there at a time when Shaw seemed on his way to abandoning modern dance music entirely. On his current tour with Miss Lynn singing the vocal parts, Shaw has formed again a modern dance band.... MORNING CALL, September 16, 1950: JUDY LYNN, CBS-TV STAR, INTERVIEWED BY CALL WRITER "We Three We're All Alone"—remember that swell tune of just a few seasons ago? Well, it's back, twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday at 7:45 p.m. until 8:00 over CBS. It ushers in one of CBS's very popular early evening shows and stars none other than a Jerseyite known as Miss Judy Lynn, of Newark. Judy is a very talented and attractive young lady who has made a spectacular comeback after flooring old man sickness and proving even doctors can be wrong. The show world nearly lost a truly great entertainer. Judy was studying law and felt confident that her star would shine brightest in the legal field. If looks really count in a courtroom, Judy certainly would have had a lot of cases wrapped up unless I miss my guess. But, during a summer holiday, we find our star working in a law office in Newark to get some practical experience. During a lull one afternoon, at which time her boss and three other barristers were in a huddle, Judy began humming a tune. The conference inside, about to break up, heard the voice outside softly going over a popular tune. One of the lawyers happened to have among his clients a radio personality. To sum it up briefly, the pattern of Judy's life was about to change, and change it did. With the good breaks came a few bad ones, one which nearly sent our guest back to the legal profession. Judy recalls her first public appearance on a show known as the "Swing Shift Frolics". It was a contest with some competitors, who since have gone places, and that night they did not make it easy for Miss Lynn, who will admit today that when she was called on to do her number, she had her share of "butterflies", just as many as any person who ever entered a contest where others decide your future. However, we find Judy walking off with first place and her new career was launched. From this contest came an offer to work with Jerry Delmar's orchestra. What was to have been a two-week engagement, lasted seven months. Judy always remembers this first engagement. It sort of won a warm spot in her heart, not only for Jerry, but for all the members of the band who were so helpful in those early and trying days. Louis Prima was in search of a beautiful feminine vocalist at the time he was appearing in Chicago, and vocalists are not booked by mail. So, we find our young lady trying to get an audition. The trip to Chicago had to be considered, so, after a great deal of thought by the band, her agent, and just about everyone, it was decided they all had to pool their efforts and try to get this youngster her big break. The band worked after hours running through numbers until Judy had memorized eight tunes. Her agent wired Lou for a deal—he would bring her to Chicago, let her do one number, and Lou would decide, said decision to be final. There would be no obligation on the part of Mr. Prima—either she made it, or the trip would have been in vain, as would the efforts of all her friends. As the saying goes, she arrived that night and the old apple was right up in her throat. However, She went on, did one number, and a year later she was still receiving top billing all over the country with Louis Prima's band. Having toured the country, both with Louis Prima's band and doing a single on club dates, we find Judy Lynn realizing every performer's ambition—the welcome home engagement, the sharing of her success with her friends and neighbors. The local newspapers emblazoned the story of Judy's return. Celebrations were planned, and Judy Lynn was just about the happiest young lady in the world. The day before opening, Judy came down with a strep throat, admittedly the result of nervousness and overwork. Doctors gave up hope of Judy's ever singing again, and advised her not to talk above a whisper. What a beautiful package to receive in your hour of triumph. This illness took six precious months out of Judy Lynn's career, during which time she had just about decided to pick up where she had left off in law school. One day she got to thinking about Jane Frohman. Jane hadn't let her serious accident defeat her. Then, Kyle MacDonnell, who was bedridden for three years by tuberculosis, didn't quit. So we find Judy Lynn, no longer feeling sorry for herself, but fighting every inch of the way—and she made it! Back in circulation, Judy opened her first date at the Club Charles in Baltimore. She recalls this audience as the best she has ever worked. They didn't realize what was at stake, but when she finished her chorus they were wonderful and generous with their applause and after several encores, Judy raced back to her dressing room, picked up the phone to call her mother and father to let them know she could sing again. Though thrilled, her mother asked her to sing a few bars that she might hear it with her own ears. That did it—and a series of dates followed, taking Judy to Miami, Montreal, and Philadelphia. During a brief vacation at home, the opportunity came to appear with Robert Q. Lewis on "This Is Show Business". From this came a booking to appear at the Wayne Country, and from there came a long-term contract with CBS, thanks to a CBS spotter. These talent scouts are all around, so beware! Arriving at CBS, it wasn't long before Judy was booked with the TV show "Three's Company" with Stan Freeman and Cy Walters, a piano team that rates in the best of circles as the best and, I might add, the busiest. With their Tuesday and Thursday night show, add two more shows from the Stork Club, rehearsals, etc. But, it makes a happy trio, nice to listen to, and swell to watch on TV. So, make a little note for your listening pleasure, Tuesday and Thursday 7:45 until 8:00 p.m., WCBS, the address of the stars.... GREEN BAY PRESS GAZETTE, May 9, 1956: FEATURED VOCALIST IS SECURED FOR TELETHON HERE Judy Lynn, leading lady and featured vocalist in Phil Silvers' comedy show, will have a similar role in the 1956 Telethon for the benefit of the cerebral palsied. The 17 hour telethon will be seen over the facilities of WBAY-TV, Channel 2, beginning at 10 o'clock Saturday night, May 19th. The vivacious songstress started her professional career with the Buddy Morrow Band and later also was featured vocalist with Louis Prima's organization. She also was seen on many of the top television shows as a guest star, and then had a network show of her own. On Broadway she was leading lady and featured vocalist in Phil Silvers' hit show "Top Banana". She then was in "Almanac", another Broadway hit, and as soon as that run ended she took off for Hollywood to again be featured in the motion picture "Top Banana". FORT LAUDERDALE NEWS, June 15, 1959: JUDY LYNN GETS LEAVE After a shimmering career as the All American replacement, Judy Lynn has concrete evidence that she's arrived. In another week or so, she'll have somebody else replacing her on The Big Payoff [TV game show]. She's taking off to have a baby.... "Ever since I can remember, somebody has been hiring me to come in at the last minute for somebody else. That's how I got into 'Top Banana', my first Broadway show,and that's how I got my current job. I suppose it isn't smart to admit it, but I'm really not very ambitious. I'd be happy to stick with The Big Payoff as long as it lasts. It's easy work, the people that watch seem to love us, and I can't see that becoming a big star could make me any happier". "If it weren't for my mother, I'd probably be a New Jersey housewife. She was only 16 when I was born, so I've been like a little sister to her. She's no stage mother, but she's got this attitude that I should have some sort of career. When I first got a chance to sing with Louis Prima, she didn't want me to join the band". MIAMI HERALD, September 8, 1961: JUDY LYNN ADDS NEW VENTURE VETERANS of the Miami Beach Supper Club beat—at least those with 10 year stripes—may recall youngish Judy Lynn who made her singing debut at Ben Gaines' Blackamoor Room there about the same year that Eddie Fisher and Harry Belafonte made pre-discovery appearances in the spot. Judy is still singing—at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas at present. But she is also enlarging her interests. She's entered the entertainment agency business and has just received her American Federation of Musicians license to handle musicians.

Above: Label image of Majestic 1076 A recorded in August 1946 and released later that year. Composers of this song are Irving Skye and Sunny Skylar (a pseudonym for Selig Shaftel). The Billboard "Record Possiblities" (11/2/46): LOUIS PRIMA — Majestic 1076....Nosy-Body with vocal by Louis Prima and Judy Lynn. A cute and catchy rhythm ditty with plenty of bounce and plenty of contagion in the Louis Prima impression that spins strong both vocally and instrumentally. The maestro handles the admonishing lyrics in characteristic style, directing his lyrical attention to canary Judy Lynn, making for a neat boy-belle setting. And for added needling pleasure, the band beats out with carefree rhythms polished off with the maetro's ever-refreshing bugle blowing peppered with tenor sax smoke. The Billboard Review (11/2/46): LOUIS PRIMA — Majestic 1076....Nosy-Body Plenty of bounce in his beats, and with plenty of contagion in his chant, Louis Prima hits the shellac-bag with a wham for "Nosy-Body", a cute and catchy rhythm opus. The maestro sings the admonishing lyrics to canary Judy Lynn and the gal encourages him, making for a boy-belle setting that enhances the spin's setting. Moreover, there is much of the Prima bugling and a dash of tenor saxology to spark the instrumental stanzas. Juves will latch on their nickels to "Nosy-Body". (NOTE: Notice how close this evaluation is to the "Record Possibilities" paragraph above it. Both in the same edition of the magazine.) The Cash Box Review (10/28/46): LOUIS PRIMA ORCHESTRA — Majestic 1076....Nosy-Body We wish like heck Louis Prima would give us some more Italian-flavored novelties, he's really good at that, but....Louis and Judy Lynn do a duet with "Nosy-Body", a novelty (we like when he does novelties), and big city locations should pay for it. When you hear this disk, you'll hear a top notch band and a golden (Louis') trumpet. But we believe all the ops and customers'll agree—Louis, make more "Angelina"!

Above: Label images for both sides of Coral 60757 released in June 1952. The Billboard Review (6/21/52): JUDY LYNN — Coral 60757 Pretty Bride (76) The new light-hearted item, from Rumania via France (where it is now a big hit), is performed neatly by Judy Lynn with the help of the quartet. The ork gives the waxing a lot of old country flavor. (Rumania was the correct spelling of Romania in the 1950s.) Aren't I Your Sweetheart (72) The thrush sings this big city-weeper type of tune, with much heart, while the chorus and ork back her strongly. (NOTE: A rating range of 70-79 was considered "good".) The Cash Box Review (6/21/52): JUDY LYNN — Coral 60757 Pretty Bride (C+) A delightful ditty with a slow bounce is feeling fully delivered by Judy Lynn. Norman Leyden helps bring this lid in. (No mention of the Ray Charles Quartet.) Aren't I Your Sweetheart (C+) Judy turns in first class vocal as she and the Ray Bloch ork and the Sweetland Singers join on a slow ballad. (NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered "good".)

Above: Label image of Coral 60876 released in November 1952. The Billboard Review (11/22/52): JUDY LYNN — Coral 60876.... Lover Be Careful (75) Miss Lynn duets with herself on this country-flavored tune. Ray Bloch arrangement gives it a big assist. (NOTE: A rating range of 70-79 was considered "good".) The Cash Box Review (11/22/52): JUDY LYNN — Coral 60876 Lover Be Careful (C-) The smooth voiced artist takes a lovely waltz for material and comes through with a fitting delivery in a multiple voiced style. The pretty tune is fine for dancing. (NOTE: A rating of C- was considered "fair".) NOTE: Most discographical information provided at this website is from Ferdie Gonzalez' Disco-File.

Listen to this week's selections featuring Judy Lynn on Majestic/Coral from 1946 and 1952 using Windows Media Player:
[Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]

1. Nosy-Body - Louis Prima And His Orchestra (Vocal by Louis Prima And Judy Lynn) - Majestic 1076 A - 1946           2. Aren't I Your Sweetheart - Judy Lynn And The Sweetland Singers - Coral 60757 - 1952           3. Pretty Bride - Judy Lynn And The Ray Charles Quartet - Coral 60757 - 1952           4. Lover Be Careful - Judy Lynn (Multiple Voice Backing) - Coral 60876 - 1952             ALL FOUR ABOVE SONGSnbsp;played in sequence.           [To download audio files, right-click on song title link and then click "Save link (target) as..."]