Martha Tilton

She became a notable vocalist of the Big Band Era and known around the circuit as the "Liltin' Miss Martha Tilton." Born on November 14, 1915, this trim, Texas-born blonde was the fortunate product of a musical family, with her parents actively playing the piano and singing at home while she grew up. The family moved to Los Angeles when Martha was but seven months old. With a naturally gifted voice, she began as an unpaid teen singer on local radio but it wasn't long before she attracted an agent and started getting paid bookings at such venues as the Coconut Grove with Al Lippan's band. Martha eventually joined singer Jo Stafford and others to form a swing chorus for Benny Goodman on his radio show. She became Goodman's lead vocalist after his former girl singer parted ways, and hit the big time with the song "And the Angels Sing." She stayed with Goodman for over three years recording, performing one-nighters and singing on the airwaves. In 1942, Martha became one of the first artis