Loyce Whiteman (1913–1989), also known as Lois Whiteman, was an American popular singer.

Biography

Born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Glendale, California, where she attended Glendale High School. She got her start in a singing contest and was engaged as a vocalist with radio station KTM. Moving on to station

KFWB KFWB (980 AM) is a commercial radio station in Los Angeles, California. KFWB is owned by Lotus Communications, and airs a classic regional Mexican music radio format. The station has a colorful history, being the radio voice of Warner Bros. ...

, it was there that she was asked to audition for

Gus Arnheim Gus Arnheim (September 4, 1897 – January 19, 1955) was an American pianist and an early popular band leader. He is noted for writing several songs with his first hit being " I Cried for You" from 1923. He was most popular in the 1920s and 1930s. ...

& His Cocoanut Grove Orchestra in 1931 at the age of 18. The audition was successful. The book ''Bing Crosby: The Hollow Man'' describes Loyce's opening night at the Cocoanut Grove on Easter Sunday night, April 5, 1931. She had been very nervous at her audition, but this was nothing compared to her opening-night jitters.

Bing Crosby Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby Jr. (May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977) was an American singer, comedian, entertainer and actor. The first multimedia star, he was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century worldwi ...

, then one of

The Rhythm Boys The Rhythm Boys were an American male singing trio consisting of Bing Crosby, Harry Barris and Al Rinker. Crosby and Rinker began performing together in 1925 and were recruited by Paul Whiteman in late 1926. Pianist/singer/songwriter Barris join ...

, was beside her as it came time for her to go on, and she nervously commented to him that she did not know what to do with her hands. "Bing did a sweet thing that night," Loyce said. "He said, 'Don't worry about it. I'll hold your hand,' and he accompanied me to the mike, held my hand, and sang half a chorus with me to get me started. I'll never forget that." On May 1, 1931, Loyce made a record with Crosby and the Gus Arnheim Orchestra called "Ho Hum!" While singing with the Orchestra, she met

Harry Barris Harry Barris (November 24, 1905 – December 13, 1962) was an American popular singer and songwriter. He was one of the earliest singers to use " scat singing" in recordings. Barris, one of Paul Whiteman's Rhythm Boys, along with Bing Crosby an ...

. They were married in 1931. They appear together in an episode of ''

Rambling 'Round Radio Row ''Rambling 'Round Radio Row'' (1932–1934) is a series of short subjects, produced by Jerry Wald, and released by the Vitaphone division of Warner Brothers. The final film in the series, released 1934, was #3 of the second season, and starred ...

'', where she sings his composition, "It Was So Beautiful." They had a daughter,

Marti Barris Marti Barris (April 6, 1937 – December 13, 1995) was an American actress and popular singer. She recorded for Keen Records during the late 1950s and early 1960s, but never had a big hit. She was the daughter of Harry Barris and Loyce Whiteman, ...

, who was born on April 6, 1937, in Hollywood, California and who became a singer as well. They divorced in 1946. Loyce later married Ken Hubbard, captain on the Santa Barbara police force. Together with Marti, ''Marti Music'', a music publishing company, was formed. They wrote songs together, including "Coffee Date," recorded by Ella Mae Morse, and "Scottish Fling", to which Marti provided a melody and Loyce provided lyrics.

References

External links

* * 20th-century American singers Glendale High School (Glendale, California) alumni Articles containing video clips 1913 births 1989 deaths {{US-singer-stub