Q.Whatever happened to Ruth Etting? This singer who was on her way to the top suddenly dropped out of sight, mid to late ’30s. _ Sidne Locke, Deerfield Beach
A.In the late 1930s, Etting left her manager/husband, mobster Martin (Moe the Gimp) Snyder. He responded by shooting her piano player, who was a prospective second husband; the pianist recovered. In the late ’40s Etting tried a comeback in clubs and on radio. She had her own radio show in 1947-48. The 1955 movie Love Me or Leave Me was based on her life. Doris Day was outstanding in the starring role, singing many songs associated with Etting’s career. Etting died Sept. 24, 1978, at the age of 74.
Q.Last month you identified a song as Stella by Starlight. I believe the correct name of the song is “Stellar by Starlight,” stellar meaning starlike and excellent. _ Irving Ryder, Delray Beach
A.Evidently you did not consider Stella, as in a female’s name. The correct title is Stella by Starlight. The song was written in 1944 by Ned Washington (words) and Victor Young (music). I suggest that you listen to Frank Sinatra’s recording of this song.
Remembering Woody The Woody Herman Society publishes a newsletter named The Herds, which serves as a clearinghouse for Herman fans. You can obtain a club application form by writing to A. J. Julian, Assistant Director, Woody Herman Society, 40 Cottage Ave., Winthrop, MA 02152. Herman’s daughter, Ingrid Herman, is director of the club.
Video review Louie Bellson and His Big Band (V.I.E.W. Video).
Drummer supreme, composer and arranger Bellson conducts an 18-piece band at a live performance in Switzerland in this great feature. To order or request a free catalog, call 800-843-9843 or write V.I.E.W. Video Catalog, 34 E. 23rd St., New York, NY 10010.
Marvin Randolph’s column answers readers’ questions relating to popular music and jazz of the early 1900s through 1960. Please! No inquiries about opera, classical, children’s. No appraisals. Requests must be written; no phone calls, please. Send your questions to Sun-Sentinel, 3333 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33445; attention: Musical Memories.
