Squeeze Me! Big Hits From A Great Lady

In Summer 1929, whilst touring California, some members of the Whiteman band (Of whom Midred's brother (Al Rinker) was a member were involved in a serious car accident in which one died and Joe Venuti was seriously injured. To cheer the band up, Mildred held a 'home brew' party for them and which Whiteman attended. Hearing her sing (at the behest of brother Al), the famous man was immediately struck by Mildred's blossoming talent and invited her to a radio session two days later. The response from the public to her featured song, "Moanin' Low", was overwhelming and she was duly signed, becoming the first featured female vocalist with a national band.Mildred became an instant hit and helped Paul Whiteman keep his band afloat when the very popular Rhythm Boys broke away in 1930 and the Depression began to take a real hold. In 1933 she married Red Norvo, whom she had met whilst he was a featured xylophone player with the Whiteman band. The following year she went solo and with husband Norvo fronted her own band; billed as 'Mr. & Mrs. Swing', they had their own national radio show, toured extensively and made many recordings, although real stardom eluded the pair.