Mildred Bailey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mildred Bailey
Bailey photographed by William P. Gottlieb in New York City, 1947
Background information
Birth name	Mildred Eleanor Rinker
Born	(1907-02-27)February 27, 1907 Tekoa, Washington, U.S.
Died	December 12, 1951(1951-12-12) (aged 44) Poughkeepsie, New York, U.S.
Genres	Jazz, vocal jazz, blues
Occupation(s)	Singer
Labels	Vocalion
Associated acts	Red Norvo, Bing Crosby

Mildred Bailey (born Mildred Rinker; February 27, 1907 – December 12, 1951) was an amazing Native American jazz singer from the 1930s. People called her "The Queen of Swing" and "The Rockin' Chair Lady." She was famous for her unique voice and style.

Mildred grew up on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation in Idaho. Her mother was a member of the Coeur d'Alene people. When Mildred was 13, her family moved to Spokane, Washington. Her younger brothers also became musicians. Her brother, Al Rinker, sang with Bing Crosby and later joined a group called The Rhythm Boys.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Mildred Rinker was born on a farm in Tekoa, Washington. Her mother, Josephine, was a member of the Coeur d'Alene people. Mildred's great-grandfather, Bazil Peone, was a leader and song leader for the Coeur d'Alene tribe. He helped create special Catholic hymns that blended with tribal traditions.

Mildred and her brothers grew up near De Smet, Idaho, on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation. Music was a big part of their family life. Her father played the fiddle, and her mother played the piano every evening. Her mother taught Mildred how to play and sing. The family often had Saturday night gatherings. They would turn their home into a small music hall for local ranchers. Both Josephine and Mildred would play the piano. Mildred also went with her mother to traditional native ceremonies. There, she learned and practiced traditional songs. These songs later influenced her special singing voice.

When Mildred's mother passed away, Mildred moved to Seattle.

Mildred Bailey's Music Career

At age 17, Mildred moved to Seattle. She worked at Woolworth's, showing people how to play sheet music. She married Ted Bailey and kept his last name. She thought "Bailey" sounded more American than "Rinker."

Mildred became a well-known blues and jazz singer on the West Coast. She sang at radio station KMTR and a hidden club in Bakersfield. She helped her brother Al Rinker and Bing Crosby get started in Los Angeles. Mildred introduced Bing Crosby to the music of famous jazz singers like Louis Armstrong, Ethel Waters, and Bessie Smith. She encouraged him to listen to them if he wanted to be a serious jazz singer.

Bing Crosby then helped Mildred. He introduced her to Paul Whiteman, a famous bandleader. Mildred sang with Whiteman's band from 1929 to 1933. Her first time singing on Whiteman's radio show was a big hit! Her recording of "All of Me" with Whiteman was very popular in 1932.

In 1933, Mildred married Red Norvo, a talented xylophone player and band leader. They were a powerful musical couple and were known as "Mr. and Mrs. Swing." They worked a lot in New York City. Even after they divorced in 1942, they remained good friends. Mildred also performed on her own. She sang in famous New York clubs like the Café Society. From 1944 to 1945, Mildred had her own radio show on CBS.

Mildred recorded many songs with Red Norvo's band. She also sang with members of Count Basie's band. She was a guest on Benny Goodman's radio show, Camel Caravan. She also recorded with Goodman's band. Her version of "Darn That Dream" was a big hit in 1940.

Mildred faced health challenges throughout her life. She passed away on December 12, 1951, in Poughkeepsie, New York, at the age of 44.

Awards and Honors

• In 1989, Mildred Bailey was added to the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.
• Experts say she was the first white singer to truly understand and use the jazz style of Black singers.
• In 1994, the U.S. Postal Service released a 29-cent stamp to honor Mildred Bailey. The stamp's design was based on a famous photo of her.
• In 2012, the Coeur d'Alene Nation worked to get Mildred honored by the Idaho state legislature. They wanted to recognize her Coeur d'Alene background. They also wanted her to be inducted into the Jazz at Lincoln Center Hall of Fame in New York City.

Number One Hits

Mildred Bailey had three songs that reached number one on the music charts!

• In 1938, she had two number one hits with Red Norvo and His Orchestra:
  • "Please Be Kind" reached number one on May 7.
  • "Says My Heart" reached number one on June 18.
• In 1940, her song "Darn That Dream" with Benny Goodman and His Orchestra reached number one in March.

Discography

• Sweet Beginnings (The Old Masters, 1994)
• Band Vocalist (The Old Masters, 1994)
• The Rockin' Chair Lady (GRP, 1994)
• The Blue Angel Years (Baldwin Street Music, 1999)
• Me and the Blues (Savoy, 2000)
• The Legendary V-Disc Sessions (Vintage Jazz, 1990)
• The Complete Columbia Recordings of Mildred Bailey (Mosaic, 2000)

Hit Singles

(Vocalion releases only)

Other Notable Recordings

See also

In Spanish: Mildred Bailey para niños