Female Singers Who Started Their Careers in the 1950s

The 1950s marked a significant era for female singers, with many talented artists rising to fame and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. These women paved the way for future generations and showcased their immense talent and vocal prowess. In this article, we will explore some notable female singers who began their careers in the 1950s, their achievements, and their lasting impact.

Patti Page

• Patti Page, born as Clara Ann Fowler in 1927, emerged as one of the top-charting and best-selling female singers of the 1950s.
• She signed her first recording contract with Mercury Records in 1948 and achieved her first platinum single, “With My Eyes Wide Open I’m Dreaming,” in 1950.
• However, it was her iconic song, “The Tennessee Waltz,” that solidified her success. Released in 1951, this timeless classic topped the Billboard charts for an impressive 30 weeks.
• Patti Page remained active in the music industry for over 60 years, captivating audiences with her beautiful voice and captivating performances until her retirement in 2012.

Jo Stafford

• Jo Stafford, an American traditional pop singer, enjoyed immense popularity as one of the leading female artists in the post-war period.
• She initially began her career as a backup vocalist in the film industry before embarking on a successful solo journey.
• Stafford signed with prominent record labels such as Columbia Records and Capitol Records, solidifying her position as a respected and beloved artist.
• Her musical career spanned several decades, captivating audiences with her enchanting voice and versatile range. Sadly, Jo Stafford passed away in July 2008, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy.

Kay Starr

• Kay Starr, born Catherine Laverne Starks in 1922, emerged as one of the most successful pop and jazz singers in the late 1940s and 1950s.
• Starr began her singing career at the young age of 7, showcasing her talent alongside renowned artists like Glenn Miller and Bob Crosby.
• She achieved two #1 singles on the Billboard charts during the 1950s: “Wheel of Fortune” in 1952 and “The Rock-and-Roll Waltz” in 1956, solidifying her position as a chart-topping artist.
• Kay Starr’s musical journey spanned an impressive seven decades, earning her a distinguished place in music history. She continued to captivate audiences with her unique style and powerful vocals until her passing in 2016.

Doris Day

• Doris Day, born Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff in 1922, was an American singer and actress who made a significant impact in the 1950s.
• She enjoyed a successful solo career, recording over 650 songs with Columbia Records from 1947 to 1967.
• Day’s repertoire included hit songs like “Love Somebody,” “It’s Magic,” and “My Darling My Darling,” which showcased her versatile vocal abilities.
• In addition to her musical achievements, Doris Day starred in numerous films and even had her own radio program, “The Doris Day Show.”
• After a remarkable career spanning several decades, Doris Day retired in 2012. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and influential female singers of the 1950s.

These female singers who started their careers in the 1950s demonstrated immense talent, resilience, and the ability to captivate audiences with their unique voices. Their contributions to the music industry continue to inspire and influence artists to this day.

Sources:

1. https://hellomusictheory.com/learn/famous-female-singers-of-the-1950s/
2. https://singersroom.com/famous-female-singers-of-the-1950s/
3. https://www.musicgrotto.com/famous-50s-female-singers/

FAQs

Female Singers Who Started Their Careers in the 1950s

Who were some notable female singers who began their careers in the 1950s?

Some notable female singers who started their careers in the 1950s include Patti Page, Jo Stafford, Kay Starr, and Doris Day.

What were Patti Page’s achievements in the 1950s?

Patti Page, born as Clara Ann Fowler, achieved significant success in the 1950s. She signed her first recording contract in 1948 and had her first platinum single, “With My Eyes Wide Open I’m Dreaming,” in 1950. Her most famous song, “The Tennessee Waltz,” topped the Billboard charts for 30 weeks in 1951.

What was Jo Stafford’s contribution to the music industry in the 1950s?

Jo Stafford, an American traditional pop singer, gained popularity in the post-war period. She started her career as a backup vocalist in the film industry before pursuing a successful solo career. Stafford signed with Columbia Records and Capitol Records and had a thriving music career that lasted until the 1990s.

What were Kay Starr’s notable achievements as a female singer in the 1950s?

Kay Starr, born Catherine Laverne Starks, was one of the most successful pop and jazz singers in the late 1940s and 1950s. She began her singing career at a young age and worked with renowned artists like Glenn Miller and Bob Crosby. Starr had two #1 singles on the Billboard charts during the 1950s: “Wheel of Fortune” in 1952 and “The Rock-and-Roll Waltz” in 1956.

What was Doris Day’s impact as a female singer in the 1950s?

Doris Day, an American singer and actress, made a significant impact in the 1950s. She had a successful solo career, recording over 650 songs with Columbia Records. Some of her hit songs include “Love Somebody,” “It’s Magic,” and “My Darling My Darling.” Day also starred in several films and had her own radio program, “The Doris Day Show.”

How did these female singers contribute to the music industry?

These female singers who started their careers in the 1950s made lasting contributions to the music industry. They showcased their immense talent, vocal abilities, and versatility, paving the way for future generations of female artists. Their songs and performances continue to inspire and influence artists to this day.

What was the impact of these female singers on gender equality in the 1950s?

Despite gender equality being a major issue during the 1950s, these female singers rose to fame and made their mark in history. Their success challenged gender stereotypes and demonstrated that women could excel in the music industry. They paved the way for future female artists and contributed to the progress of gender equality in the field of music.

How did these female singers’ careers evolve beyond the 1950s?

Many of these female singers had long and successful careers beyond the 1950s. They continued to captivate audiences, release new music, and explore different genres. Some remained active in the industry for several decades, while others retired at a later stage. Their influence and impact extended far beyond the 1950s, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world.