Songwriters Hall of Fame

1940’s ballad singer, Dick Haymes, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 13, 1918.

Haymes made his professional debut at the age of 15, singing with a hotel band in New Jersey. After leaving school in 1933, he moved to Hollywood where he worked as a stuntman and extra on several films during the mid 1930’s. His incredible singing career began when he approached Harry James with songs he had written. While James was not impressed with the songwriting abilities, he was enamored with Haymes’ voice and when Frank Sinatra left James’ orchestra in 1940, Dick Haymes was hired as the leading male singer.

During 1941-42, Haymes several hits with the Harry James Orchestra, including "A Sinner Kissed an Angel" and "The Devil Sat Down and Cried." (His biggest hit with James, "I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You)," hit number one in 1944.

Haymes also sang with Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey before signing to Decca in 1943. One of his first singles, "You'll Never Know," hit number one in July 1943. Another, "It Can't Be Wrong," was also a substantial hit at the same time. Though he never again scored another number one hit, Haymes spent much of the mid-'40s near the top of the charts with the songs "Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey," "Laura," "Till the End of Time" and "That's for Me."

Haymes also starred in films, most notably 1945’s State Fair, for which he recorded the Oscar winning song and #5 hit ‘It Might As Well Be Spring’. Following the success of State Fair, Haymes starred in over 15 more films and also hosted a radio show with Helen Forrest.

Dick Haymes died in Los Angeles, California on March 28, 1980.