Born Jack R. Starkey. Songwriter, accompanist and actor. Best known for co-writing the most popular song of 1953, "Vaya Con Dios," recorded by Les Paul and Mary Ford and more than 300 other artists. Wrote title song for Doris Day and Rock Hudson film "Pillow Talk." Films include Disney's first live action-animation film "The Reluctant Dragon" (1941), Jackie Cooper's "Seventeen" (1940), and Jane Wither's "Small Town Deb" (1941). Cast member of Broadway musical "Meet the People" and soldier revue "Hey, Rookie!" during WWII. Served as an entertainer in the Air Force from 1942 to 1945. Arranger and vocal coach for Margaret Whiting, as well as accompanist for Judy Garland, Lisa Kirk, Smilin' Jack Smith, and Marlene Dietrich, among others. Also contributed songs for several early Donald O'Connor films, including "Mister Big" (1943). Wrote several songs recorded by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Duke Ellington, Eddie Fisher, Margaret Whiting, and Doris Day.
Born Jack R. Starkey. Songwriter, accompanist and actor. Best known for co-writing the most popular song of 1953, "Vaya Con Dios," recorded by Les Paul and Mary Ford and more than 300 other artists. Wrote title song for Doris Day and Rock Hudson film "Pillow Talk." Films include Disney's first live action-animation film "The Reluctant Dragon" (1941), Jackie Cooper's "Seventeen" (1940), and Jane Wither's "Small Town Deb" (1941). Cast member of Broadway musical "Meet the People" and soldier revue "Hey, Rookie!" during WWII. Served as an entertainer in the Air Force from 1942 to 1945. Arranger and vocal coach for Margaret Whiting, as well as accompanist for Judy Garland, Lisa Kirk, Smilin' Jack Smith, and Marlene Dietrich, among others. Also contributed songs for several early Donald O'Connor films, including "Mister Big" (1943). Wrote several songs recorded by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Duke Ellington, Eddie Fisher, Margaret Whiting, and Doris Day.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
