Songwriters Hall of Fame

Kay Starr was born Katherine Starks on an Oklahoma Indian reservation on July 21, 1922.

She began her career at the age of 15, joining the Joe Venuti orchestra. Starr sang briefly with Glenn Miller, Charlie Barnet and other bands before launching her solo career in 1945.

From 1948-1962, Starr had over 40 recordings on the pop charts including the top ten “Hoop-Dee-Doo” (#2, 1950), “Bonaparte’s Retreat” (#4, 1950), “I’ll Never Be Free” (#3, 1950), “Wheel of Fortune” (#1, 1952), “Side by Side” (#3, 1953), “If You Love Me (Really Love Me)” (#4, 1954), “Rock and Roll Waltz” (#1, 1955), “My Heart Reminds Me” (#9, 1957).

Starr also appeared in several movies in the 1950’s including Make Believe Ballroom and When You’re Smiling.