Kay Starr - described by jazz historian Gary Giddens as “a brassy fusion of urban swing and country twang” - was one of the most celebrated pop singers of the 1950's. Kay was recognized for charting such hits as “Bonaparte’s Retreat,” “Side By Side,” “Wheel of Fortune,” and “Rock and Roll Waltz.” She was born in Dougherty, Okla., the daughter of a full-blooded Iroquois Indian father and mixed American Indian and Irish mother. After being discovered in a talent show in Dallas, her family moved to Memphis, where she was featured on WMPS’s radio popular Saturday Night Jamboree program. As a teenager, Starr performed with jazz violinist Joe Venuti, orchestra leader Bob Crosby, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
She launched her solo career in Los Angeles - still her home to this day - singing in local nightclubs. She recorded several singles of jazz classics for independent labels in the 1940's, and signed a contract with Capitol Records in 1947. Her first Top 10 hit came in 1949 with “So Tired,” followed by “Hoop-Dee-Doo,” which charted at No. 2.
It was during a visit to her hometown of Dougherty, Okla., that Starr heard a jukebox recording of Pee Wee King’s fiddle tune “Bonaparte’s Retreat.” She received permission from Roy Acuff’s publishing house to record the song, which became her first major hit and sold almost 1 million copies.
After several successful duets with country singer Tennessee Ernie Ford, she recorded her signature song “Wheel of Fortune.” It remained on the charts at No. 1 for 10 weeks. From 1948-1954, Starr charted 27 hits with Capitol. She hit both American and British charts with “Rock and Roll Waltz” in 1956.
She performed at major concert venues around the U.S. and England in the 1960's. She teamed with Count Basie in 1968 for an album of classic jazz. In the 1980's, she toured with Helen O’Connell, Margaret Whiting, and Kaye Ballard. In 1993, Kay toured with Pat Boone.