Jo Stafford was one of the most popular and versatile singers of the 20th century, who charmed millions of listeners with her pure and expressive voice. She sang in various genres, from traditional pop to folk, and was a favorite of the American troops during World War II and the Korean War. She also had a successful solo career, as well as a comedic alter ego with her husband Paul Weston. But how did Jo Stafford die, and what was her legacy? Here is a brief overview of her life and death.
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Early Life and Career
Jo Elizabeth Stafford was born on November 12, 1917, in Coalinga, California, where her father worked in the oil fields. She studied classical music for more than three years and planned to become an opera singer, until the 1933 Long Beach earthquake destroyed her school. She then joined her two older sisters to form a vocal trio called the Stafford Sisters, who performed on radio and in film studios.
She met the all-male group the Pied Pipers in 1938 and became their lead singer. The group was hired by bandleader Tommy Dorsey in 1939 and performed with his orchestra, along with a new male singer named Frank Sinatra. Stafford and Sinatra had a hit duet with “I’ll Never Smile Again” in 1940, which topped the charts for 12 weeks.
Stafford left the Pied Pipers in 1944 and signed with Capitol Records, where she was guided by Johnny Mercer, one of the founders of the label. She recorded a series of solo hits, such as “Candy”, “That’s for Me”, and “You Belong to Me”, which became the first song by a female artist to top the UK Singles Chart in 1952.
Radio and TV Star
Stafford was also a star on radio and television, hosting and guest-starring on various shows. She hosted The Chesterfield Supper Club on NBC from 1945 to 1947, and The Jo Stafford Show on CBS from 1954 to 1955. She also appeared on shows such as The Jack Benny Program, The Perry Como Show, and The Ed Sullivan Show.
She married Paul Weston, a former arranger for Dorsey, in 1952. He became her musical director and partner for the rest of her career. They had two children, Tim and Amy.
Jonathan and Darlene Edwards
Stafford and Weston also developed a comedy routine in which they assumed the identity of an incompetent lounge act named Jonathan and Darlene Edwards, who sang off-key and out of tune versions of popular songs. The act was a hit at parties and among the public, when they released an album as the Edwardses in 1957. The album won them a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1961, the first parody album to do so.
Stafford retired from singing in 1970, after recording more than 800 songs in her career. She devoted herself to her family and charitable causes, such as the American Cancer Society and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Jo Stafford Cause of Death
Stafford died of congestive heart failure on July 16, 2008, at her home in Century City, California. She was 90 years old. She was survived by her two children and four grandchildren. Her husband Paul Weston had died in 1996.
Stafford was widely praised for her vocal talent, versatility, and professionalism. She was admired by her peers, such as Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Ella Fitzgerald, and influenced many singers, such as Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, and Michael Bublé. She was also loved by her fans, who called her “G.I. Jo” for her support of the troops during the wars.
Stafford was one of the most successful and respected singers of her era, who left behind a rich and diverse musical legacy. She will always be remembered for her beautiful voice and her warm personality.
.It is not intended to be a comprehensive or authoritative biography of Jo Stafford, nor does it reflect the opinions of the author or the assistant. The article is for entertainment and educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional research or advice. The assistant is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the article, or for any consequences arising from its use.
