If you would have asked me a few years ago to list some of the best female vocalists from the Big Band Era, I admit that Connie Haines may not have made my list. But, as I hear more and more of her work found in the archives of Old Time Radio, my opinion is changing.
At the age of 9, Connie had her own local radio show performing as "Baby Yvonne Marie, the Little Princess of the Air". (Connie was born as Yvonne Marie Antoinette Jasme.) In the early 1940's she joined the band of Harry James. That is where she changed her name to Connie Haines per James' request. Haines later recalled, "He said you don't look like Yvonne Marie Antonette Jasme. And there would be no room on the marquee for me. You look like a Connie to me."
Haines spent some time featured with Harry James and his Orchestra and also became the lead singer on The Abbott and Costello Show from 1942 to 1946. She later moved on to sing with Tommy Dorsey before starting a solo career that lasted a couple of decades.
Watch the Soundie: "The Continental" by Connie Haines.
The music for this one was provided by Hal Bourne and his Orchestra.
The music for this one was provided by Hal Bourne and his Orchestra.
You can hear the music of Connie Haines right here on Swing City Radio.
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