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Ella Mae MorseAmerican pop singer
Date of Birth: 12.09.1924
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Ella Mae Morse: A Musical Multifaceted Career
- Rise to Fame: Capitol Records and Freddy Slack
- Solo Career and Film Appearances
- Musical Legacy and Later Life
- Personal Life and Death
Ella Mae Morse: A Musical Multifaceted Career
Early Life and Early CareerElla Mae Morse, an American pop singer known for her eclectic blend of pop, jazz, country, and R&B, was born on September 12, 1924, in Mansfield, Texas. Her musical talent emerged early, with her voice maturing by the age of 14. Despite being underage, she secured a position as a vocalist with the Jimmy Dorsey band by misrepresenting her age as 19. However, her deception was soon uncovered, resulting in her dismissal.
Rise to Fame: Capitol Records and Freddy Slack
In 1942, 17-year-old Morse joined Freddy Slack's jazz group. Together, they recorded the hit song "Cow Cow Boogie," Capitol Records' first "gold" single. Other successful collaborations with Slack included "Mr. Five by Five," a 1942 hit, and "Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet," a popular wartime tune later covered by Nancy Walker in the film "Broadway Rhythm."
Solo Career and Film Appearances
Morse embarked on a solo career in 1943. Her song "Shoo-Shoo Baby" reached number one on the R&B charts for two weeks in December. She also made several film appearances during this period, including "Reveille With Beverly" and "The Sky's the Limit" (1943), "The Ghost Catchers" and "South of Dixie" (1944). Her final film role was in "Hit and Run" (1957).
Musical Legacy and Later Life
Morse's music spanned various genres, with chart success in both pop and R&B. However, she never became a megastar. Her biggest hit was "The Blacksmith Blues," a gold single that spent 22 weeks on the charts in 1952, peaking at number three. Elvis Presley credited Morse as an early influence on his singing style. She retired from recording in 1957 but continued to perform live at clubs until 1987.
Throughout her career, Morse performed at prestigious venues such as New York City's Michael's Pub, Ye Little Club in Beverly Hills, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Cinegrill. She also made repeat appearances at Disneyland with Ray McKinley's band and toured successfully in Australia towards the end of her life.
Personal Life and Death
Ella Mae Morse was married twice and had six children. She passed away on October 16, 1999, at the age of 75, in Bullhead City, Arizona, from respiratory failure. Her extensive recordings have been compiled and released by Bear Family Records in a deluxe boxed set.
