Video: Ella Mae Morse – Money Honey (1953)

—

Ella Mae Morse (1924-1999), one of the first rock ‘n roll singers, was born in Mansfield, Texas. She was hired as a singer by Jimmy Dorsey when she was 14 years old. In 1942, at the age of 17, she joined Freddie Slack’s band, with whom in the same year she recorded “Cow Cow Boogie”, the first gold record by Capitol Records.

In 1943, Morse began to record solo. She sang in a wide variety of styles, and she had hits on both the U.S. pop and rhythm and blues charts. However, she never received the popularity of a major star because her versatility prevented her from being placed into any one category of music.

Her biggest solo success was “Blacksmith Blues” in 1952, which sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc.

Morse ceased recording in 1957, but continued performing in clubs until the early 1990s. She appeared regularly at Disneyland for several years with the Ray McKinley Orchestra, and did a successful tour of Australia shortly before her final illness.

—

— Ella Mae Morse in 1944.

Biography adapted from Wikipedia.