Dolly Dawn was a vocalist and band leader. She was a singer with George Hall's Hotel Taft Orchestra in the 1930's and later took over control of the band.
In the early 1930's, Dolly was appearing weekly on a local radio show based in New Jersey where she grew up. This eventually led to her big break in 1935 when she replaced Loretta Lee as vocalist with George Hall's orchestra. She and the band broadcast six days a week from the famous Grill Room of the Taft Hotel in New York. The band soon became very popular. Her most successful song with George Hall's Hotel Taft Orchestra was "You're a Sweetheart."
Listen to Dolly Dawn sing "Says My Heart" with the George Hall Orchestra
In July of 1941, George Hall retired from performing and officially turned the band over to Dolly and became her manager. The band was renamed "Dolly Dawn and Her Dawn Patrol". This was short-lived because she lost many member of the band because of the World War II draft. From 1942 on, she continued without the band appearing in clubs, dance halls and in other engagements throughout the United States.
Dolly continued to record as a successful solo artist into the 1950's.
You can hear Dolly Dawn and Her Dawn Patrol as well as George Hall's Hotel Taft Orchestra 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.
