Singer, Actress. Born in Gilroy, California, she was jazz singer best-known for her performances with the Duke Ellington’s orchestra, 1931 to 1942. With Duke Ellington, she recorded numerous hits to include “Delta Bound”, “Ebony Rhapsody”, “My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms”, “Watermelon Man”, “Stormy Weather”, “Five O’Clock Whistle” and “Hayfoot, Strawfoot”. For feature films, she made her debut singing in “A Bundle Of Blues” (1933). She also appeared in “A Day At The Races” (1937), “Hit Parade of 1937” (1937), “Jump For Joy” (1941) and “Stormy Weather” (1943). Due to chronic asthma, she forced to retire but continued to sing in nightclubs until her death at age 45. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith)