Connie Haines

American popular big band singer and actress. Born January 20, 1921, Savannah, Georgia, USA. Died September 22, 2008, Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA (87 years of age). Married to bandleader Del Courtney (1966-1972). She was petite in size (less than 5' tall) but sang like she was twice that. Her recordings were frequently up-tempo big band songs. She performed with orchestras led by Harry James (2) and Tommy Dorsey. She also performed in a number of films and in the early 1960's had her own TV program, the Connie Haines Show. She charted in the U.S. twice as a solo artist and once in a duet with Alan Dale, all in 1949. Her first charted song was "How It Lies, How It Lies, How It Lies!" which landed at #19 in April. "The Darktown Strutters' Ball", her duet with Dale, hit #29 in August. And her final charted song came in September: "Maybe It's Because", which hit #20. In the early 1950s, Haines joined with Jane Russell, Beryl Davis and Della Russell to do an impromptu performance at a charity night for Hollywood Episcopal Church. Their version of the spiritual "Do Lord" entertained the audience and attracted the attention of people in the recording industry. The group (with Rhonda Fleming replacing Della Russell) recorded several gospel albums, donating all of their royalties to the churches to which each belonged. The group also appeared on The Colgate Comedy Hour and the Arthur Murray program on TV (sometimes referred as "The Arthur Murray Party Actresses"). Connie, Beryl and Jane also recorded an album together "The Magic Of Believing" as a trio.