Victory Sweethearts Explained

Victory Sweethearts
Origin:Midwestern United States
Genre:Swing
Years Active:1940s

The Victory Sweethearts was an American all-female swing big band founded in 1938. After the United States entered World War II, Victory Sweethearts toured the US appearing at USO events and military bases in support of the troops.[1] The band was featured on national radio broadcasts.[2] Their repertoire included numbers featuring instrumental soloists, complete arrangements for the entire ensemble, and novelties.[3] [4]

The Victory Sweethearts were founded by Freddie Shaffer, a musician from Frankfort, Indiana who began performing as an all-girl band with 15 girls and was the leader.[5] The group name was inspired by the band members' deployed fiancés and the girls' desire to build morale and contribute to the victory effort.[6] [7]

Ruth Mary Mack played drums and was known as the female Gene Krupa.[8] Pat Wolff wrote "I Ran Away With An All-Girl Band" a book about her time in the girls' band.[9] Arthella Louise "Artie" Phelps went by the stage name "Louise Lust" and would dedicate songs on air to her then-fiancé, Ray.

The Victory Sweethearts played at venues including Hotel Statler, Buffalo, Castle Farm, Cincinnati; Vague Terrace, Pittsburgh; Hotel New Yorker, New York City, Palace Theatre, Cleveland; Circle Theatre, Indianapolis; and the Earle Theatre, Washington.[10] [11] [12]

Band members

References

  1. News: Briton . B . 4 April 2004 . First Takes - Televised story on Victory Sweethearts . 2 . Indianapolis Star . 5 May 2022. .
  2. Web site: Arthella Louise "Artie" Phelps Obituary (1922 - 2008) Ventura County Star . 2022-05-06 . Legacy.com.
  3. News: 14 November 1950 . Seniors' Show Brings Shaffer Girls Orchestra . 5 . Defiance Crescent News . 5 May 2022.
  4. News: 18 Jul 1997 . Spotlight: Metro Edition . Orlando Sentiel . 5 May 2022. .
  5. News: 15 June 1947 . Dancing Tonight to Freddie Shaffer and his All Girl Orchestra . 3 . Coshocton Tribune . 5 May 2022.
  6. News: 27 Oct 1942 . Policemen's Annual Ball At Elks Ballroom Tonight; Fine Orchestra, "Freddie Shaffer And His Victory Sweethearts" . 2 . Sandusky Register Star News . 5 May 2022.
  7. News: 30 Sep 1942 . Furnish Music At Police Ball . 3 . Sandusky Register Star News . 5 May 2022.
  8. News: 6 Nov 1945 . Victory Sweethearts . 12 . Warren Times Mirror . 5 May 2022.
  9. Book: Wolff, Patricia . I Ran Away With An All-Girl Band, My life on the road with the Victory Sweethearts . Stone Hut Printing . 1999 . 0967573203 . English.
  10. News: 14 Jun 1953 . All Girl Orchestra To Entertain At Lee . 19 . Petersburg Progress Index . 5 May 2022.
  11. News: 28 Oct 1947 . Kilroy's Crystal Rock Park Presents Freddie Shaffer and His All-Girl Orchestra . 2 . Sandusky Register Star News . 5 May 2022.
  12. News: 4 Jun 1949 . On The Air Tonight . 15 . New Castle News . 5 May 2022.
  13. Web site: 23 May 2018 . Ruth Tyler Christiansen . 5 May 2022 . Wilks Funeral Home.
  14. Book: Wolff, Pat . 7 Nov 1999 . I Ran Away With An All-Girl Band, My life on the road with the Victory Sweethearts . 0967573203 .
  15. News: Carlin . Ann . 26 Jun 1965 . Local Artist Exhibits at City Library . 7 . Record Eagle . 5 May 2022.
  16. Web site: 17 Apr 2016 . Marlene Miller 1923 - 2016 Obituary . 5 May 2022 . Porter Funeral Homes.
  17. News: Stewart . Z . 14 May 1993 . 50 years and still playing . Los Angeles Times [Valley Edition] . 5 May 2022. .
  18. Web site: 5 May 2022 . Lois A. Kuiper Obituary . . 5 May 2022. .

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