Ramona (vocalist)
Encyclopedia
Ramona Davies, usually billed as Ramona and her Grand Piano, was a cabaret singer and pianist, most popular in the 1930s.
Born Estrild Raymona Myers on March 11, 1909 in Lockland, Ohio, was vocalist and pianist for Paul Whiteman
's Orchestra from 1932-1937. She played mildly jazz-influenced piano and sang songs in a deep-voiced, sophisticated style. She was sometimes featured by Whiteman with a small jazz group within the band.
Prior to joining Whiteman, she had her own radio show in Cincinnati and also worked with Don Bestor. She performed on Whiteman's radio show in 1933, Al Jolson
's radio show in 1933-34 and the Kraft Music Hall
in late 1934 through early 1935 (before Bing Crosby
took over the radio program in 1936). She was featured with the Whiteman band in the 20th Century-Fox 1935 film Thanks A Million
.
She left Whiteman's band in 1937 and worked as a single (recording for Liberty Music Shops). In the late 1930s, she led a male big band (recording for Varsity).
She died on December 14, 1972, of ovarian cancer.
Born Estrild Raymona Myers on March 11, 1909 in Lockland, Ohio, was vocalist and pianist for Paul Whiteman
Paul Whiteman
Paul Samuel Whiteman was an American bandleader and orchestral director.Leader of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s, Whiteman's recordings were immensely successful, and press notices often referred to him as the "King of Jazz"...
's Orchestra from 1932-1937. She played mildly jazz-influenced piano and sang songs in a deep-voiced, sophisticated style. She was sometimes featured by Whiteman with a small jazz group within the band.
Prior to joining Whiteman, she had her own radio show in Cincinnati and also worked with Don Bestor. She performed on Whiteman's radio show in 1933, Al Jolson
Al Jolson
Al Jolson was an American singer, comedian and actor. In his heyday, he was dubbed "The World's Greatest Entertainer"....
's radio show in 1933-34 and the Kraft Music Hall
Kraft Music Hall
The Kraft Music Hall was a popular variety program, featuring top show business entertainers, which aired on NBC radio and television from 1933 to 1971....
in late 1934 through early 1935 (before Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby
Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby was an American singer and actor. Crosby's trademark bass-baritone voice made him one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, with over half a billion records in circulation....
took over the radio program in 1936). She was featured with the Whiteman band in the 20th Century-Fox 1935 film Thanks A Million
Thanks A Million
Thanks a Million is a 1935 musical film produced and released by 20th Century Fox and directed by Roy Del Ruth. It stars Dick Powell, Ann Dvorak and Fred Allen, and features Patsy Kelly, David Rubinoff and Paul Whiteman and his band with singer/pianist Ramona. The script by Nunnally Johnson was...
.
She left Whiteman's band in 1937 and worked as a single (recording for Liberty Music Shops). In the late 1930s, she led a male big band (recording for Varsity).
She died on December 14, 1972, of ovarian cancer.
External links
- Ramona at IMDB