Louise Tobin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Louise Tobin |
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Mary Louise Tobin |
| Born | November 11, 1918 Aubrey, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | November 26, 2022 (aged 104) Carrollton, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician |
| Years active | 1934–1998 |
| Associated acts | Benny Goodman |
Mary Louise Tobin (born November 11, 1918 – died November 26, 2022) was an American jazz singer and musician. She was known for her amazing voice. Louise sang with famous bands like Benny Goodman's. She helped introduce the song "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" in 1939. Her biggest hit was "There'll Be Some Changes Made". This song was very popular in 1941. Louise was also married to the famous bandleader Harry James. They had two sons together.
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Early Life and First Performances
Louise Tobin was born in Aubrey, Texas, on November 11, 1918. After her father passed away, her family moved to Denton, Texas. When she was just 12 years old, Louise started performing. She sang on stage with the North Texas Stage Band. By the time she was 14, she was singing regularly at Denton High School.
Starting Her Music Career
In 1934, Louise began singing in clubs and theaters. She performed in places like Dallas and Houston, Texas. When she was 16, she married Harry James. He was also a musician. They had two sons, Harry and Tim. Louise even helped Frank Sinatra get his start. She heard him sing on the radio and told Harry James about him. Harry then signed Sinatra to a contract.
Singing with Famous Bands
Louise Tobin joined Benny Goodman's band. Goodman was a very famous jazz musician. With his band, she recorded many songs. These included "There'll Be Some Changes Made" and "What's New?". A songwriter named Johnny Mercer even wrote a song just for her, called "Louise Tobin Blues".
In 1940, Louise also recorded songs with Will Bradley and His Orchestra. Louise and Harry James later separated in 1943.
She continued to record music in the 1940s. She sang with Tommy Jones and Ziggy Elman's orchestras.
Return to Music and New Beginnings
After taking time to raise her sons, Louise returned to music. In 1962, she was invited to sing at the Newport Jazz Festival. There, she met Peanuts Hucko, a talented clarinet player. A famous critic said Louise sang like a young Ella Fitzgerald.
Louise and Peanuts started performing together often. They got married in 1967. They even owned a club in Denver, Colorado, called the Navarre Club. They were the house band there.
Touring the World
In 1974, Peanuts Hucko led the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Louise toured with them, singing for audiences worldwide. She recorded "There'll Be Some Changes Made" again in 1977. This song became a favorite at their concerts.
Throughout the 1980s, Louise and Peanuts toured Europe, Australia, and Japan. They recorded albums that honored jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman. Their last recording together was in 1992. Peanuts Hucko passed away in 2003.
In 2008, Louise shared her collection of music and photos. This collection is now at Texas A&M University-Commerce. It is called the Tobin-Hucko Jazz Collection. A book about her life was published in 2021.
Louise Tobin was still featured on a jazz radio show just weeks before she died.
Passing Away
Louise Tobin lived a very long life. She passed away at the age of 104. She died at her granddaughter's home in Carrollton, Texas, on November 26, 2022.
Where Louise Tobin Performed
Singer
- 1934: Interstate Theater Circuit, Dallas
- 1935: Art Hicks Band, Dallas and Arlington, Texas
- 1937: Ben Pollack Band
- 1938: Bobby Hackett Band, Jack Jenney Band, New York City
- 1939: Will Bradley — Ray McKinley, Harry James Band, New York City and Massachusetts
- 1939: Benny Goodman Band, New York City and on tour
- 1945: Ziggy Elman Band, Los Angeles
- 1974: Glenn Miller Band
- 1962–1998: Peanuts Hucko (her husband)
