Langford, Frances (1914–2005)

American singer and actress. Born April 4, 1914, in Lakeland, Florida; died July 11, 2005, in Jensen Beach, Florida; dau. of Annie Newbern (concert pianist); attended Southern College; m. Jon Hall (actor), 1938 (div. 1955); m. Ralph Evinrude (marine motor company magnate), 1955 (died 1986); m. Harold Stuart, 1994.

Aspired to a career as an opera singer until a tonsillectomy turned her from soprano into contralto (1930); offered a guest spot on Rudy Vallee's radio show, which led to small role in stage musical Here Goes the Bride (1933); made screen debut in Every Night at Eight (1935), introducing her 1st hit, "I'm in the Mood for Love"; followed that with "I've Got You Under My Skin" from Born to Dance (1936), originally sung in the film by Virginia Bruce but recorded by Langford; other films include Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935), Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), This Is the Army (1943), Follow the Band (1943) and Radio Stars on Parade (1945); appeared as herself in The Glenn Miller Story (1954); was a frequent guest on popular radio show "Hollywood Hotel"; joined "The Texaco Star Theater" (1939); became regular on "The Bob Hope Pepsodent Show" (1941) and during WWII, joined Hope on many USO tours to entertain troops, logging over 250,000 miles and frequently putting herself in harm's way; following war, displayed considerable comedic skills in popular radio show "The Bickersons" with Don Ameche (1946–48); entertained troops in Korea (1952).

See also Women in World History.