Solid!
The encyclopedia of big band, lounge, classic jazz and space-age sounds.
Helen Forrest
Born
- April 12, 1917
- Atlantic City, NJ
Died
- July 11, 1999
- Los Angeles, CA
Helen Forrest
- BIOGRAPHY
- FILMOGRAPHY
- REVIEWS
Helen Forrest was one of the most popular female vocalists during the big band era. She was singing on CBS radio under the name Bonnie Blue when bandleader Artie Shaw hired her in 1939. At that time Billie Holiday was also a Shaw vocalist. Forrest was a champion of civil rights and refused to sing in any theatre or ballroom that wouldn't allow Holiday to also perform.
Forrest left Shaw in late 1939 and joined Benny Goodman, with whom she recorded many memorable numbers. In 1941 she was hired by Harry James. It was with James where she hit her peak in popularity. The two of them worked together very well. James had arrangements written that featured her vocal talents, whereas Goodman and Shaw had used her as they did any other singer.
Forrest left James in late 1943 to pursue a successful solo career, appearing on vocalist Dick Haymes' radio program in the mid-1940s. She continued to sing until the early 1990s, when arthritis forced her to retire. She also appeared in several films. Helen Forrest passed away from heart failure in 1999.