Betty Bonney: A Legendary Voice of the Big Band Era

Early Career and the Rise to Fame

Betty Bonney was a trailblazing vocalist whose career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. At just 17, she joined Les Brown and His Orchestra in 1941, catapulting her into the spotlight of the big band era. Her timing couldn’t have been more poignant, as she became an integral part of the band during the summer Joe DiMaggio made history with his 56-game hitting streak for the New York Yankees. Performing at a club in Armonk, New York, Bonney and the band capitalized on the nation’s excitement, announcing DiMaggio’s progress every night. This led to the creation of the jaunty tune “Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio,” which Bonney sang with her signature smooth and elegant style. The song became a hit, landing at number 93 on Billboard’s 1941 list of best-selling singles and earning a place in baseball lore.

Bonney’s rise to fame was swift and well-deserved. Born on March 8, 1924, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, she began her musical journey at the age of 6, performing on local radio shows with the support of her mother, Doris. By her teens, she was touring with the Auburn Cavaliers and later sang with bands led by Charlie Spivak and Jimmy James before joining Les Brown. Her talent and charisma quickly set her apart, and she replaced the legendary Doris Day in Brown’s band. Her performance of “Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio” not only showcased her vocal prowess but also highlighted her ability to connect with audiences, creating a memorable moment in musical history.

A Career Marked by Adaptability and Resilience

Betty Bonney’s career was a testament to her adaptability and resilience. After marrying Army officer Douglas Broyles Jr. in 1942, she temporarily stepped back from the spotlight. However, with her husband overseas during World War II, she resumed her career, performing with bands led by Jan Savitt, Jerry Wald, and Frankie Carle. Her versatility shone as she transitioned into a solo act, recording songs like “Ho Hum (Wish I Were Someone in Love)” for RCA. This song earned her the cover of Billboard in 1945, with the magazine praising her meteoric rise, noting that she had achieved everything a performer could ask for in just 13 years.

In 1949, Bonney took to the stage in the national tour of the hit Broadway musical “High Button Shoes,” further diversifying her career. The following year, she joined bandleader Sammy Kaye, who gave her the stage name Judy Johnson, a change she embraced for the rest of her career. “Sammy had a thing about changing singers’ names for good luck,” she later explained. As Judy Johnson, she became a standout performer on Sid Caesar’s groundbreaking TV show “Your Show of Shows” from 1950 to 1953 and starred in her own nightclub act, “Judy Johnson and Her Dates,” in 1953. Her ability to redefine herself and thrive in different roles highlighted her resilience and talent.

Personal Life and Family Legacy

Betty Bonney’s personal life was as dynamic as her career. She married Mort Lindsey, who later became the bandleader on Merv Griffin’s television talk show, in 1954. Their marriage brought her two sons, Trevor and Steve, in addition to her daughter, Bonney Dunn, from her previous marriage to Douglas Broyles. Her children often struggled with her fame, as Trevor recalled her being more recognized as Judy Johnson than as Betty Bonney. “Very few people knew her as Betty,” he said. “She didn’t correct them because she was just as comfortable as Judy.” Privately, however, she was known as Judy Lindsey, a name that reflected her dual identity as both a performer and a mother.

Despite her success, Bonney’s early life was not without challenges. Her father, Albert, pushed her to perform for money from a young age, often taking her to bars to sing. “Mom would recount stories of him bringing her to a bar in the middle of the day and saying, ‘Do your little act,’” Trevor shared. “And people would throw money at her.” Though this exposure helped launch her career, Bonney harbored resentment toward her father for exploiting her talent. Her journey from a childhood marked by hardship to becoming a celebrated performer is a testament to her determination and talent.

Later Years and Legacy

In her later years, Betty Bonney continued to perform occasionally, both on stage and screen. She appeared in various venues, including Merv Griffin’s Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City and the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. She also worked on “The Judy Garland Show” as Garland’s stand-in during studio rehearsals in the early 1960s. Her contributions to music and entertainment were celebrated long after her retirement, with her song “Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio” featured in Ken Burns’ 1994 documentary series Baseball. The song remains one of the most enduring tributes to a baseball legend, alongside classics like “Talkin’ Baseball” and “Say Hey (The Willie Mays Song).”

Betty Bonney passed away on January 29, 2023, at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy that transcended generations. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren remember her not just as a performer but as a devoted family woman. Her story is one of talent, perseverance, and the enduring power of music to capture the spirit of an era. As a vocalist, actress, and icon of the big band era, Betty Bonney’s voice and charisma continue to inspire, ensuring her place in the history of American entertainment