Solid!
The encyclopedia of big band, lounge, classic jazz and space-age sounds.
Harry Babbit
Born
- November 2, 1913
- St. Louis, MO
Died
- April 9, 2004
- Newport Beach, CA
Harry Babbitt
- BIOGRAPHY
- FILMOGRAPHY
Popular vocalist Harry Babbitt's smooth baritone voice is most associated with the Kay Kyser Orchestra. Born in St. Louis, Babbitt studied singing and played drums before joining Kyser in 1937. He appeared on the band's popular College of Musical Knowledge radio series and was featured on several of their hit records, sometimes paired with female vocalist Ginny Simms. He also appeared with the band in several films.
Babbitt joined the Navy in 1944, returning to Kyser after the war ended. He remained with Kyser for the next few years before going solo. He played mainly small clubs and made several records, including duets with Martha Tilton. During the early days of television he appeared with Steve Allen and as part of Bandstand Review.
Babbitt remained active throughout his life. In 1997 he appeared at the University of New Mexico's ''Battle of the Big Bands II,'' where he competed with Frank DeVol, Rex Allen and Irv Kluger leading the Big Band Alumni Orchestra. Harry Babbitt passed away in 2004.