Victory Sweethearts

Victory Sweethearts
OriginMidwestern United States
GenresSwing
Years active1940s

The Victory Sweethearts was an American all-female swing big band founded in 1938. After the United States entered World War II, Victory Sweethearts toured the US appearing at USO events and military bases in support of the troops.[1] The band was featured on national radio broadcasts.[2] Their repertoire included numbers featuring instrumental soloists, complete arrangements for the entire ensemble, and novelties.[3][4]

The Victory Sweethearts were founded by Freddie Shaffer, a musician from Frankfort, Indiana who began performing as an all-girl band with 15 girls and was the leader.[5] The group name was inspired by the band members' deployed fiancés and the girls' desire to build morale and contribute to the victory effort.[6][7]

Ruth Mary Mack played drums and was known as the female Gene Krupa.[8] Pat Wolff wrote "I Ran Away With An All-Girl Band" a book about her time in the girls' band.[9] Arthella Louise "Artie" Phelps went by the stage name "Louise Lust" and would dedicate songs on air to her then-fiancé, Ray.[2]

The Victory Sweethearts played at venues including Hotel Statler, Buffalo, Castle Farm, Cincinnati; Vague Terrace, Pittsburgh; Hotel New Yorker, New York City, Palace Theatre, Cleveland; Circle Theatre, Indianapolis; and the Earle Theatre, Washington.[3][10][11][12]

Band members

  • Freddie Shaffer, trumpet
  • Ruth Mary Mack, drummer[8]
  • Ruth Tyler Christiansen, singer[13]
  • Louise Lust (stage name for Arthella Louise "Artie" Phelps), trumpet, singer
  • Pat Wolff, saxophonist, clarinet[14][15]
  • Marlene Miller, saxophone, clarinet, piano[16]
  • Mary Caroline Bennett, trombonist
  • Betty O'hara, variety of brass instruments[17]
  • Lois "Maxine" (Wright) DeLuca, bassist
  • Lois A. Kuiper[18]

References

  1. ^ Briton, B (April 4, 2004). "First Takes - Televised story on Victory Sweethearts". Indianapolis Star. p. 2. ProQuest 240676469. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Arthella Louise "Artie" Phelps Obituary (1922 - 2008) Ventura County Star". Legacy.com. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Seniors' Show Brings Shaffer Girls Orchestra". Defiance Crescent News. November 14, 1950. p. 5. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  4. ^ "Spotlight: Metro Edition". Orlando Sentiel. July 18, 1997. ProQuest 278979681. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  5. ^ "Dancing Tonight to Freddie Shaffer and his All Girl Orchestra". Coshocton Tribune. June 15, 1947. p. 3. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  6. ^ "Policemen's Annual Ball At Elks Ballroom Tonight; Fine Orchestra, "Freddie Shaffer And His Victory Sweethearts"". Sandusky Register Star News. October 27, 1942. p. 2. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  7. ^ "Furnish Music At Police Ball". Sandusky Register Star News. September 30, 1942. p. 3. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  8. ^ a b "Victory Sweethearts". Warren Times Mirror. November 6, 1945. p. 12. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  9. ^ Wolff, Patricia (1999). I Ran Away With An All-Girl Band, My life on the road with the Victory Sweethearts. Stone Hut Printing. ISBN 0967573203.
  10. ^ "All Girl Orchestra To Entertain At Lee". Petersburg Progress Index. June 14, 1953. p. 19. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  11. ^ "Kilroy's Crystal Rock Park Presents Freddie Shaffer and His All-Girl Orchestra". Sandusky Register Star News. October 28, 1947. p. 2. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  12. ^ "On The Air Tonight". New Castle News. June 4, 1949. p. 15. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  13. ^ "Ruth Tyler Christiansen". Wilks Funeral Home. May 23, 2018. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  14. ^ Wolff, Pat (November 7, 1999). I Ran Away With An All-Girl Band, My life on the road with the Victory Sweethearts. ISBN 0967573203.
  15. ^ Carlin, Ann (June 26, 1965). "Local Artist Exhibits at City Library". Record Eagle. p. 7. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  16. ^ "Marlene Miller | 1923 - 2016 | Obituary". Porter Funeral Homes. April 17, 2016. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  17. ^ Stewart, Z (May 14, 1993). "50 years and still playing". Los Angeles Times [Valley Edition]. ProQuest 282072923. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  18. ^ "Lois A. Kuiper Obituary". ProQuest. May 5, 2022. ProQuest 383164827. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
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