Doris Day was born 80 years ago today on April 3, 1924 in Cincinnati, OH.
Doris Day may be the sweetest sweetheart in the history of American cinema. She'll make you forget any silly old Julia Roberts. She certainly ruled the light romantic comedies like no other woman ever. With Six You Get Eggroll, Please Don't Eat the Daisies, Pillow Talk & The Pajama Game constitute prime examples of the genre. She knew how to add just the right spoonful of seriousness to give at least some facade of dramatic credibility to even the fluffiest story.
She could act in real dramas, however. The Man Who Knew Too Much, the 1956 Hitchcock film, was certainly no beach party.
Also, dig on her early role as a singer in Young Man With a Horn, opposite a highly self-destructive Kirk Douglas in 1950. Besides dramatic acting, this features some singing.
Artistically, she may actually be more interesting as a singer. She was not particularly any kind of soul or blues singer, but she had pretty strong technical skills at not just hitting notes, but delivering a lyric.
One particularly good example of her vocal performance worth looking up comes from the album The Great American Composers-Irving Berlin, Volume II, Disc 2. Doris Day has my pick for the definitive version of the classic song "I'm an Indian, Too" from Annie Get Your Gun.
In this version it turns into a curious savage dream of the everyday housewife. Nominally it's Annie Oakley from the backwoods getting initiated into the Indian tribe. Doris Day gives it a unique sound of a housewife having a little fantasy. She enunciates so effortlessly, so light and sharp, so perfect. By the time she's singing "and I'll be busy night and day" it's gotten crossed with the modern strings to generate some vision of a surreal post modern 1950s teepee of the future.
In short, Doris Day had skills. Heck, she could even make Rock Hudson look straight.
Happy birthday, sweetheart!
Article comments
1 - Bronislaw Kruk
I have a daughter (Sylvia) 12 years old who is facinated by the films and songs of Doris Day; having sent a letter requesting a signed photo to 'Doris Day:America,U.S.A, it was returned saying insufficient address.
Could you please suggest how she can obtain a reply.
ps 'wishing Doris Day a happy eightieth birthday@
2 - Eric Olsen
Try sending it to her inn in Carmel - try this website
3 - Judy Silverman
My sixteen year old daughter, Amanda loves evrything about Doris Day and her movies. We, as a family have been dedicated to helping find homes of unwanted animals through a local group called Love for Animals here in Iowa. AManda would like to write to Doris Day and would be thrilled to have a reply or a picture. Do you know where to write her? Thank you so very much.
Judy Silverman in Iowa
4 - Philly music critic/Youman Wilder rocks Philly
ZANZIBAR BLUE had the great jazz club favorite Youman Wilder on April 21-22. Wilder's soulful, sensitive treatments of classic jazz and soulful vocals has led to sold out concerts in Europe and New York's top supper clubs. He has been compared with The great Al Jarreu and his soulful voice might catch you off guard until he gets into the song which he treats with a preachers shout. He sang the proverbial American song book at Zanzibar-â€My Funny Valentine/A Song For Youâ€, â€"Who Can I Turn Too" â€"In My Solitude†and â€"God Bless The Childâ€.His rendition of â€"Come Sunday†was beautiful it would would have made Duke Ellington happy and that was never easy to do. Wilder had so many young Philly artist in the audience Jill Scott ,Musiq Soul Child and Glenn Lewis. All are Grammy Award Nominees With Ms Scott taking the Grammy this year. Wilder invited Glenn Lewis and Musiq onstage where they did an impromptu Tribute to Stevie Wonder. Lewis who sounds so much like the Motown Legend was amazing. Musiq who lacks the range and soulfulness to compete with the likes of Wilder was like a fish out of water. Wilder then took the Wonder classic "All I Do"and reduced Musiq and Lewis to back ground singers.The second set was a wonderful change of pace with Wilder swinging and really showcasing a great ability to sing be-bop.Like artist of this ilk you need to see Wilder Live.With all 6 shows sold out and an $30 music fee ,Wilder was more than worth it. The sets were long the music great and the Artist setting a standard of greatness.Youman Wilder came to Philly and was in a word Brilliant.
Wilder was followed here by the powerhouse jazz-blues organ of Jimmy McGriff, a Philadelphia mainstay and national figure for some 50 years now.
5 - mimi schwiaziak on youman wilders show at Ct school of performing arts
I am never impressed by these so-so ran run of the Mill singers these days, but Youman Wilder dismissed that notion.
Mr Wilder with Gene Tarpner on piano, Howard Fells on Upright bass and Boo Alston on drums set a night of romantic and laid back Jazz.
Wilder who entered the stage singing the Duke Ellington song book, was brilliant and if I may say showed a sexy and calm demand on stage.
The 80 minute set went with some chatter in between songs. I loved his version of "Today I Sing The Blues"
And the haunting "I Been Loving You" sent chills up my back.
I was pleased that Wilder who has helped raise $400,000 for democratic state wide politicians never mentioned politics once. That was a welcome change.
All in all Youman Wilder was a wonderful nite of classy and soulful Jazz. he may have been the best show I have seen in the past 5 years.
6 - danielle Green
I'm 13 years old and I just love to watch the Doris Day movies. Even though its been along time young people are still buying her movies she will never be forgotten. I have wanted to write to her but I don;t know where to contact her because I would like an autograph or even a letter back so please if you could post where to get in contact that would be great
7 - Katrina Bestwick
I would love to write to Doris Day...she has always been one of my all time favorite actresses and I would love to tell her this!!
I would appreciate any help in getting an address for her fan mail.
Thank you!!
Katrina
8 - JD
Happy Birthday Ms. Day!
Been watching your films once again this day and you're great as always. I even tried to sing along Que Sera; I still can't sing but listening to you puts a smile on my face. Thank you Ms. Day. We all still love you!
9 - a williams, pontllanfraith wales
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. DAY
I ve loved everything you ve done on screen snd on record since I first seen you in the mid fifties at the cinema. I ve just had my sixtieth birthday and for me you re still the best. I too love animals like you god bless
10 - stacey caine 22years old UK
I love doris day, i have been watching her movies for years. I especially love her musical films such as calamity jane, i also have films such as pillow talk and the glass bottom boat all great films which show off her comedy talents. I admire doris a lot she is a great singer, actress, dancer, and also comedian, you really don't get talent like that nowadays in the movie industry. I would love to write to doris just to let her know how much she really does inspire people and how much of an icon she really is, i will continue to watch and enjoy her films and when i have children they will also be introduced to them. Thanx doris for putting smiles on sooo many faces. love stacey in the UK X
11 - Jet
"Where were you when the lights went out" is my favorite, and she doesn't sing a note.
12 - Ken Jenkins
Youman Wilder sings songs of Hope and John Hopkins Medical Center
Youman Wilder helped to raise funds for the African Pediatric Aids Foundation at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore MD.
Wilder delivered a crisped stellar 30 minute set that had gems like Duke Ellington's "Come Sunday"
and the updated version Of Dionne Warwicks "Deja Vu", which he approached with a more Neo-Jazz Soul feel.Would love to see him possibly re-record this Warwick gem.
But the song that had the audience in tears and up with a standing ovation, was a song written by Grammy Award winner Paula Cole entitled Hush,Hush,Hush.
Wilder layed a gospel harmonic flavor to this beautiful song, and along with local Baltimore musicians DeQuan Jackson on Piano and Jermaine Young on Flute.
This song was haunting and Wilder's intimate and kind delivery is what has made him one of the best live music acts in jazz and soul music.
The evening took in over $35,000 that will go to community out reach and support groups as well as families whom are in crisis.