Tune into the Swing Street Radio, one of the popular big band stations, to enjoy hits tracks by Martha Tilton. Find here her feats and accomplishments.

1. Martha Tilton’s Journey of Becoming the Big Band
Songbird
While you have heard and read a lot about big band leaders, very few articles discuss the stories of
vocalists who have played a significant role in fuelling reputation and popularity of such bands.
Would you like to know about such personalities? Here, we will talk about the life and career of
Martha Tilton. Given her talent and overall charm, she rightly earned the sobriquet of “Big band
Songbird”. Do you remember the “And the Angels Sing” track by the Benny Goodman Orchestra?
Well, behind this unforgettable score is the amazing vocals of Tilton. Songs sung by her are
thoroughly enjoyed by the listeners on major big band stations even to this day. Also known as
“The Liltin”, Martha was one of the finest and most popular female vocalists of the Swing Era. Let
us now find out more details about her successful career.

2. Beginning at a small radio station
Although Texas-born, Tilton moved to Kansas with her family before finally settling in Los Angeles
where she embarked on her musical journey by singing at a small local radio station. An extremely
talented singer at such as young age, she featured with the Al Lippan’s Band at the radio show
named Coconut Grove. In order to devote her entire concentration towards the singing career,
Martha decided to quit school and consequently joined Hal Grayson’s band. After a few years,
Tilton joined and worked with Three Hits and Miss. She also had short-term yet impactful
professional collaboration with Jimmy Dorsey Band thereby enriching the band with her vocal
abilities.
Her successful association with Goodman’s Orchestra
As her next musical venture, Martha sang a swing chorus with Myer Alexander for Camel Caravan,
Goodman’s radio show. For her amazing voice and unique style of singing, Benny Goodman
singled out Martha Tilton and secured her as the lead vocalist of his band, which was one of the
remarkable big bands in America back then. She toured with the band and gained enough exposure
to the world of music out there! But the history was yet to be made! In 1938, Benny Goodman’s
Orchestra became the first swing group that was awarded the brilliant opportunity to perform at the
Carnegie Hall in New York. Audiences were so thrilled with her rendition of “Loch Lomond” that
Tilton bagged a standing ovation. Want to enjoy this score once again? Tune into the swing music
radio and enjoy several other splendid tracks.
Parting ways with Goodman’s Orchestra and other accomplishments
Ending professional ties with Goodman’s big band would not mean a halt Martha Tilton’s career.
She became one of the very first artists to record for the label of Capitol Records. Her track “Moon
Dreams” would catch the attention of other stalwarts like Glenn Miller and Miles Davis, who would
present her rendition of this song around 1950. “I’ll Walk Alone”, “I’ll Remember April, “A Fine
Romance, and so on are some memorable tracks ever released by Martha while recording for
Capitol. After leaving the label in 1949, Martha Tilton would on to record for Tops and Coral.
Her career in movies and radio programs
Apart from being a brilliant singer, Martha Tilton became popular face in movies and hosted her
own radio show. She featured in Crime, Inc, Swing Hostess, and played herself in The Benny
Goodman Story. As far as her career in the world of radio is concerned, Tilton would initially co-
host a radio show with Curt Massey. Eventually, she earned a show of her own, called “Liltin'
Martha Tilton Time”.
Conclusion – Martha Tilton was an extremely talented vocalist who contributed heavily in
popularizing big bands in America and also worldwide. However, millennials today are not as
aware as they should be about America’s music and their pioneers. The swing and big band
preservation society in USA is committed to preserve the legacy of such musical personalities.
Want to do your part in conserving the memories and legacy of all swing artists including Martha
Tilton? Download Swing Street Radio app and encourage your dear ones to do same.
Read the full article:
https://radioswingstreet.wixsite.com/swingstreetradio/post/martha-tilton-s-journey-of-
becoming-the-big-band-songbird
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