The Cheerleaders

Hollywood-based vocal group of the 1950s, who performed and recorded with various artists, including Gordon MacRae, [a145288], [a1114443], Les Baxter, Billy Liebert, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Gary Crosby (2) and Sonny Burke And His Orchestra. They also appeared on the panel game show "Musical Chairs" (1955), and in the film "Starlift" (1951). Originally founded as a quintet by Indianapolis-born Ray Bailey in 1950 under a different name. The original line-up included at least Bailey and Dale Young. In 1954, Bailey was the only original member left, and other members included Pat Laird (later known as Pat Pinney), Mary Lou Lyons, Tom Roddy, and Dave O'Hearn. By 1955, O'Hearn had been replaced by Dick Williams. By spring 1956, the group had reduced to a quartet, possibly due to Bailey's cancer treatments (multiple myeloma). Bailey died at the age of 29 on 18 June 1956. Williams was eventually replaced by Bernie Parke, and Parke by Joe Pryor. Mary Lou Lyons was replaced by Donna Manners.