Marie Benson

Australian jazz and pop singer (b. Sydney 30 April, 1928 - 2003). Benson began singing at Sydney nightspots during the war years with American Army Service bands, and sung at nightclubs from 1946 to 1948 under her real name of Marie Harriott. She went to England in July 1948, where she worked with Geraldo's Orchestra and Teddy Foster's Orchestra (under the name Marie Benson). Benson joined The Stargazers vocal group in June 1949, which was featured in many BBC programmes, including providing musical breaks in the first Goon Show series (1951). The act toured Germany with Geraldo from March to June 1952, and won the Melody Maker poll for best vocal group in June 1952. Benson left The Stargazers in September 1955 (being replaced by Eula Parker), but continued with BBC work, including broadcasts with Cyril Stapleton in 1958. Benson returned to Australia in 1962, and made appearances with Graeme Bell's bands in the 1960s.