Lucy Ann Polk first came on to the scene as a member of the vocal quintet called the Four Polks, which included her sister and two brothers. They weren't amongst the biggest names of the era, but did manage to have a nice run. The Four Polks even filmed a couple of Soundies called "Miss You" and "The Old Oaken Bucket". They eventually changed their name to the Town Criers and performed with the bands of Tommy Dorsey, Bob Crosby, Les Brown and Kay Kyser.
After the Town Criers disbanded in 1948, Lucy Ann returned to the Les Brown Orchestra in 1949 as a featured vocalist. She found great success while with Les Brown, in a very similar way Doris Day did years before. In the early 1950's, she won the Downbeat Reader's Poll as "Best Girl-Singer with Band" three or four times and finished among the Top 15 of Metronome Magazine's "Best Female Singer" Poll.
Les Brown's Orchestra featured many male and female vocalists over the years and, of course, the first one that comes to mind is the great Doris Day. But, in my opinion, Lucy Ann Polk is right up there next to Doris. Her voice fit the band so well.
In 1954, Lucy Ann left Brown's band in favor of a solo career. She enjoyed some moderate success for the rest of 1950's.
You can hear the vocals of Lucy Ann Polk with the Town Criers, the Four Polks and as a featured vocalist with Les Brown on Swing City Radio.
Listen to: "Ill Be Around" by Les Brown featuring Lucy Ann Polk on vocals from 1951.
