13th May is the 5th anniversary of the passing of Doris Day at the age of 97. Born Doris May Kappelhoff in Cincinatti, Ohio, with her ancestry from Germany she grew up in Cincinatti and showed early talent for dancing, winning a talent contest which would have propelled her to Hollywood but a serious road accident prevented that as she spent much of her teenage years in a wheelchair. She diverted to singing and featured in a band; at 24 she took a screen test and was signed by Warner Bros. After a series of films in quick succession, her popularity increased and then with Calamity Jane 1953, took off followed by Lucky Me 1954, Love Me or Leave Me 1955, The Man Who Knew Too Much 1956, The Pajama Game 1957 and probably her best known Pillow Talk 1959, for which she was Oscar-nominated. She continued to make movies, but her own enthusiasm lessened despite some which were still popular Do Not Disturb 1965, The Glass Bottom Boat 1966, ultimately achieving 44 screen credits but in 1968 she started her own TV series, which was very popular and lasted till 1973 (128 episodes). She had major song hits – Que Sera Sera (Whatever will be, will be) from the 1956 film and Secret Love from Calamity Jane both winning Oscars for Best Song. She turned down the role of Maria in The Sound of Music 1965 as she felt she was `too American’. Generally regarded as the top box office female actress of the 20th century, she received in 1989 the Cecil B De Mille Special Golden Globe, in 2004 Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W Bush, in 2006 a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, and has two Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Movies and for Recording. Through her career she lived in Crescent Drive, Beverly Hills, also at Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. However her then-husband squandered nearly all of her considerable earnings, but millions were recovered from an alleged investor after a court case, and after her divorce in 1980 she devoted her life to animals, and was a passionate animal rights activist, running the Doris Day Animal League in Carmel, California, where she lived and co-owned the Cypress Inn; on her death her ashes were scattered there. A memorable lady - Ringo Starr, Wham, Elton John, Underworld, Reunion & Billy Joel have referenced her in songs. We hope you agree to play a match in her memory – if the number or ratings do not suit, then please make contact.
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