Ella Mae Morse was born on September 12, 1924 in Mansfield, Texas, USA. She was an actress, known for South of Dixie (1944), Reveille with Beverly (1943) and Hit and Run (1957). She was married to Jack Bradford. She died on October 16, 1999 in Bullhead City, Arizona, USA.
She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1724 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
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Signed by Jimmy Dorsey at the age of 14 (she lied about her age and said she was 19) and was subsequently fired after discovering the truth about her age.
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Came from a musical family, her father was a drummer and mother a pianist.
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Stopped recording in 1957 but continued to perform live in such venues as Disneyland until 1987.
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Often mistaken as a black singer because of her flavorful R&B touch, she is said to have greatly influenced the rock-and-roll style of the 50s. Elvis Presley often credited her for teaching him how to sing.
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Married a number of times and had six children in all.
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Her biggest hit was "The Blacksmith Blues" released on 16 February 1952. It was on the hit charts for 22-weeks and reached the Number 3 position.
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Her recording of "Cow Cow Boogie" was the first million-selling single for Capitol Records. [1942]
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Popular singer in 1940s/50s. Hits included "Cow Cow Boogie" and "Milkman Keep Those Bottles Quiet."
$600,000
