Savannah Churchill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Savannah Churchill
Background information
Birth name	Savannah Valentine Roberts
Born	(1920-08-21)August 21, 1920 Colfax, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	April 19, 1974(1974-04-19) (aged 58) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Genres	R&B, blues, pop
Occupation(s)	Singer, musician
Instruments	Piano
Years active	1942–1960
Labels	Beacon Capitol Manor Regal RCA Victor Decca Argo Jamie
Associated acts	Benny Carter Orchestra The Four Tunes

Savannah Churchill (born Savannah Valentine Roberts, August 21, 1920 – April 19, 1974) was a talented American rhythm and blues (R&B) singer. She was very popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Many people remember her for her hit song "I Want To Be Loved (But Only By You)." This song even reached number one on the R&B music charts!

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Savannah Churchill was born in Colfax, Louisiana. Her parents were Emmett Roberts and Hazel Hickman. When she was three years old, her family moved to Brooklyn, New York.

Growing up, Savannah loved music. She played the violin and sang in the choir at St. Peter Claver Catholic School. She also went to Girls' High School in Brooklyn.

In 1939, Savannah decided to follow her dream of becoming a singer. She left her job as a waitress and started singing at a famous club called Small's Paradise in Harlem. She earned $18 a week, which was a good start! Later, she performed with the Crystal Caraverns in Washington D.C. In 1941, she toured with Edgar Hayes' band.

Rising to Stardom

Savannah Churchill made her first recordings in 1942 with Beacon Records. The next year, she recorded with Capitol Records and the Benny Carter Orchestra. Her song "Hurry, Hurry" became her first hit.

In 1945, Savannah signed with Manor Records. Her song "Daddy Daddy" became a big hit, reaching number 3 on the R&B chart. Two years later, she had her biggest success. Her song "I Want To Be Loved (But Only By You)" reached number 1 on the R&B chart. It stayed at the top for eight weeks! This song was recorded with a vocal group called The Sentimentalists, who later changed their name to The Four Tunes.

Savannah continued to have success with The Four Tunes. Their songs "Time Out For Tears" and "I Want To Cry" were also popular in 1948.

Movies and Tours

Savannah Churchill was not just a singer; she was also an actress! She appeared in two movies with all-African American casts: Miracle in Harlem (1948) and Souls of Sin (1949).

From 1949, Savannah recorded with several other record labels. These included Regal, RCA Victor, and Decca Records. She recorded the first version of "Shake A Hand," which later became a huge hit for another singer, Faye Adams. She also recorded with the Ray Charles Singers.

By 1952, Savannah was a top performer at famous theaters. She played at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, the Regal Theater in Chicago, and the Howard Theater in Washington D.C. She even performed at the London Palladium in London, England! She toured widely with a group called The Striders, even visiting Hawaii in 1954.

In 1953, Savannah also released some gospel songs. In 1956, she was one of the first artists to sign with the Argo label, which was part of Chess Records.

Later Years

Savannah Churchill's singing career ended in 1956. While she was performing on stage, a man accidentally fell on her from a balcony. This caused her serious injuries. She never fully recovered from them.

Even though her health declined, she did some recording in 1960. She released her first album, Time Out For Tears, with Jamie Records. Savannah Churchill passed away in Brooklyn in 1974 from pneumonia.

Personal Life

Savannah Churchill had two children with her first husband, David Churchill. Sadly, David died in a car accident in 1941. On May 19, 1952, Savannah married Jesse Johnson in Franklin, Ohio.

Music Hits

Here are some of Savannah Churchill's songs that made it onto the music charts:

Movies She Appeared In

• Miracle in Harlem (1948)
• Souls of Sin (1949)