Garry Stevens

b. 21 October 1916, Los Angeles, California, USA. An excellent band singer during the 40s, early in his career Stevens worked as a trumpeter-vocalist with various bands on the US east coast, and spent some time with combos led by Paul Kain and Don Bestor. In the late 30s he became a staff musician-singer on radio in Washington, DC, before joining Charlie Spivak’s outfit as vocalist in late 1941. He stayed with Spivak until 1943, and sang on several of his hit records, including ‘This Is No Laughing Matter’, ‘My Devotion’, ‘I Left My Heart At The Stage Door Canteen’ and ‘White Christmas’. The Stardusters vocal group, featuring one of the best girl band singers, June Hutton, was with the band at the same time. After military service in World War II, Stevens joined Tex Beneke’s Glenn Miller Orchestra in the late 40s, and sang on two of the band’s successful sides, ‘Anniversary Song’ and ‘As Long As I’m Dreaming’ in 1947. His other records included ‘But Beautiful’, ‘Beyond The Sea’ and ‘Poinciana’ (with Beneke), ‘At Last’, and ‘It’s So Peaceful In The Country’ (with Spivak).