Bea Wain

American Big Band-era vocalist (born April 30, 1917 in New York City, died August 19, 2017 in Beverly Hills).

On a 1937 recording with Artie Shaw she was credited as Beatrice Wayne, which led some to assume that was her real name. On record labels her name was shortened (without her permission) to "Bea" by the record company, ostensibly for space considerations. She led the vocal group Bea and the Bachelors (with Al Rinker, Ken Lane, and John Smedberg), and the V8 (seven boys and a girl) on the Fred Waring show. In 1937, Wain joined former Tommy Dorsey arranger Larry Clinton and His Orchestra. She was featured with Clinton on a number of hit tunes, including "Martha" and "Heart and Soul". In 1939, she was voted the most popular female band vocalist in a Billboard poll, and that same year she began her solo career.

Wain had four #1 hits:"Cry, Baby. Cry," "Deep Purple", "Heart and Soul" and her signature song, "My Reverie." She is considered by many to be one of the best female vocalists of her era, possessing a natural feel for swing-music rhythms not often found among white singers of the day. With regard to technique, she excelled in pitch and subtle utilization of dynamics. She also communicated a feminine sensuality and sang with conviction in an unforced manner.

She was married to radio announcer André Baruch between 1938 and his death 1991 and with him, they hit the radio airwaves following World War II as a disc jockey team billed as Mr. and Mrs. Music.

Bea Wain died at a retirement home on August 19, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California at the age of 100.

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