Doris Day began her career as a big band singer with Barney Rapp and His Orchestra in 1939 and later moved on to achieve commercial success with Les Brown and His Band of Renown. In 1945, she had two No. 1 recordings, "Sentimental Journey" and "My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time" with Les Brown. Day eventually left Brown's band to embark on a solo career and recorded more than 650 songs from 1947 to 1967.
Audio Recording of "Sentimental Journey" with Doris Day on Vocals
Doris Day was born with the less marketable name of Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff. While working with Barney Rapp he suggested she adopt the stage surname "Day" because he felt that "Kappelhoff" was too long for marquees. She had singing stints with bandleaders Jimmy James and Bob Crosby and settled in with Les Brown where she found huge success. Her hit recording, "Sentimental Journey", became an anthem of the desire of World War II troops to return home after the war. Les Brown had once paid her a huge compliment by stating that, "As a singer, Doris belongs in the company of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra."
Day went on to have a successful film career as well. By the early 1960's Doris had become one of the biggest film stars in Hollywood. She later starred in her own sitcom on television, "The Doris Day Show," which ran from 1968 to 1973.
You can hear many of Doris Day's songs right here on Swing City Radio.
Swing City Radio: Playing Your Big Band and Swing Music Favorites from the 1930's, 40's and Today! - Big Band Radio Station Broadcasting Online from King of Prussia, PA.
