Ginny Simms

Ginny Simms was an American singer and actress who came to prominence through radio and big-band work. Born in San Antonio, she studied piano at Fresno State Teachers College and sang in campus productions. By 1932 she had her own local radio program. She also sang with Tom Gerun's band in San Francisco, alongside Tony Martin and Woody Herman. In 1934 she joined Kay Kyser's orchestra, which gave her first national exposure and led to three film appearances with Kyser, including You'll Find Out (1940). After leaving the orchestra in 1941 to star in her own radio show, Simms took later screen roles in Hit the Ice (1943), Broadway Rhythm (1944), and the Cole Porter biographical film Night and Day (1946). She appeared in 11 movies before retiring in 1951, and that year hosted a Los Angeles television show featuring dance bands and military-base talent. In 1993 a Golden Palm Star was dedicated to her on the Walk of Stars.