June Christy

American jazz/big band singer. Born November 20, 1925, Springfield, Illinois, USA. Died June 21, 1990, Sherman Oaks, California, USA. Married to tenor saxophonist Bob Cooper. She was known for her silky smooth vocals, and replaced Anita O'Day in Stan Kenton's orchestra c. 1945. She charted eight times with Stan Kenton And His Orchestra from 1945 to 1947 in the U.S. including the #2 hit in the U.S. "Tampico" and #6 "It's Been a Long, Long Time" in 1945 as well as #6 "Shoo Fly Pie (And Apple Pan Dowdy)" in 1946. Seven of the eight made it into the top 16. Between 1953-1961, Christy recorded more than 10 LPs and EPs (as well as many 45's) with the arranger/conductor Pete Rugolo, (whom she had worked with earlier with Kenton and on other 45's). Rugolo was Stan Kenton's arranger in the 1940's when Christy sang with the orchestra.