Jo Ann Greer

Biography

Jo Ann Greer, born Katherine Joan Greer on April 3, 1927, in Los Angeles, California, was a distinguished American singer whose career spanned nearly five decades. Raised in a musically inclined family—her mother was a piano teacher—Greer was immersed in the arts from a young age and developed her craft by absorbing the sounds of big bands and jazz legends during her formative years. Her early exposure to Hollywood’s vibrant culture and her admiration for icons like Billie Holiday and Bing Crosby deeply influenced her vocal style, which blended pop, jazz, and big band elements.

Greer’s professional journey began in the late 1940s, initially gaining recognition through her marriage to pianist Freddie Slack and her performances with local orchestras. Her big break came with Ray Anthony’s band, where she recorded hits such as “Wild Horses” and “The Hokey Pokey.” In 1953, she joined Les Brown’s Band of Renown, replacing Lucy Ann Polk as the lead vocalist—a role she held for nearly 40 years, touring internationally and recording numerous singles. Greer’s signature renditions, like "Sentimental Journey," and her engaging stage presence earned her the 1956 Down Beat Readers Poll for "best girl band vocalist."

Beyond her work with big bands, Greer became renowned as a "ghost singer" in Hollywood, providing the singing voices for stars such as Rita Hayworth in films like "Affair in Trinidad," "Miss Sadie Thompson," and "Pal Joey." Her behind-the-scenes contributions to film soundtracks and her dedication to her craft left a lasting legacy, both as a performer and as a vital yet often uncredited voice in American entertainment. Greer continued to perform into the early 1990s and passed away in Los Angeles on May 24, 2001.

Fun Facts

• Jo Ann Greer was the uncredited singing voice for Rita Hayworth in several major films, including 'Affair in Trinidad,' 'Miss Sadie Thompson,' and 'Pal Joey.'
• She won the 1956 Down Beat Readers Poll for 'best girl band vocalist.'
• Her hit 'Wild Horses' reached No. 28 on the Billboard charts in 1953.
• In 1991, Greer joined two other famous 'ghost singers' to create a cabaret show celebrating Hollywood's secret vocal stars.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Her mother (unnamed piano teacher) - Introduced Greer to music and piano at a young age, fostering her early love of music. (N/A) [1930s–1940s]
• Big band and jazz legends (e.g., Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby) - Stylistic influences absorbed through record collecting and live performances. (N/A) [1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Ray Anthony - Band leader; Greer was featured vocalist and recorded her early hits. ("Wild Horses," "The Hokey Pokey") [Early 1950s]
• Les Brown - Band leader; Greer was lead vocalist for nearly 40 years. (Multiple singles and live performances, including "Sentimental Journey") [1953–early 1990s]
• Freddie Slack - Pianist and first husband; Greer made Hollywood connections through this marriage. (N/A) [1940s–1951]
• Annette Warren and India Adams - Fellow 'ghost singers'; collaborated on the cabaret show 'Voices-Hollywood's Secret Singing Stars.' (Cabaret show (1991)) [1991]

Artists Influenced

• Hollywood 'ghost singers' and band vocalists - Pioneered the role of uncredited vocalists in film and set a standard for band singers. (Her work dubbing for Rita Hayworth and others became a model for future ghost singers.) [1950s–2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Moonglow (The Great Les Brown)
2. The Hokey Pokey (Hollywood's Secret Singing Star)
3. Don't Take Your Love from Me
4. Hear No Evil, See No Evil (Hollywood's Secret Singing Star)
5. Whatever Lola Wants
6. Back in Your Own Backyard
7. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (2008 - Remaster)
8. September Song (The Great Les Brown)
9. Bewitched (Hollywood Legend Sings)
10. Hear No Evil, See No Evil (Hollywood Legend Sings)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia