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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZDESMOND, Johnny(b Giovanni Alfredo De Simone, 14 Nov. '20, Detroit MI; d 6 Sep. '85, LA) Singer. Began in Detroit radio, clubs; formed vocal quartet the Downbeats which joined Bob Crosby band as the Bob-O-Links; joined Gene Krupa solo '41; with Glenn Miller AAF band (radio programme in England A Soldier And A Song), known as 'the GI Sinatra'. Later at his peak called 'The Creamer'. Post-war radio work led to three-month gig on Don McNeill's Breakfast Club Chicago morning show; it lasted six years. Records as solo on RCA, Coral, MGM, hits '50--57 were mostly covers incl. top tens 'Play Me Hearts And Flowers', 'Yellow Rose Of Texas' '55; LP on Columbia Blue Smoke late '50s. TV work '50s incl. Hit Parade, Face The Music; co-starred on Broadway with Vivian Blaine in Say Darling '58, later played Nicky Arnstein during run of Funny Girl; a few minor films incl. China Doll '58; continued working. On UK TV early '85 with a Miller band. |