Joy Hodges

Born: 1915-01-29

Joy Hodges, born Frances Eloise Hodges, was an American singer and actress who performed on radio, on film, on Broadway, and with big bands. Winning a contest at a theater took Hodges to Chicago, where her national career began. From there, she traversed the United States, singing on the radio, in night clubs, with orchestras, and in Chautauqua programs. She performed at the Empire Room and the Hotel Sherman, both in Chicago. One of her early jobs was being the lead singer with Carol Loftner and his orchestra. She also sang with Ted Fio Rito, Ben Bernie, Jimmy Grier, Ozzie Nelson, and Abe Lyman and their orchestras, among others. Hodges' Broadway credits include Nellie Bly, The Odds on Mrs. Oakley, Dream with Music, and I'd Rather Be Right. In 1972, she replaced Ruby Keeler in the revival of No, No, Nanette on Broadway. Perhaps the most memorable of Hodges' Broadway performances was singing "Have You Met Miss Jones?" in I'd Rather Be Right. She later said, "I became the toast of Broadway and sang the most recognizable song in America at that time — everyone adored Miss Jones." Her screen debut came in a short, A Night at the Biltmore Bowl, for RKO Pictures, and her first film, after signing with RKO for five years, was Old Man Rhythm. She also made soundies (musical short films) in addition to regular films. During World War II, Hodges sang with Harry James and his orchestra as they entertained military personnel on USO tours in Europe. On old-time radio, Hodges was the female singer on The Joe Penner Show. She left that program to make her stage debut in I'd Rather Be Right. In 1944, she filled in for Arlene Francis as host of the radio version of Blind Date when it was broadcast from Detroit. She also sang and was co-host, with Durward Kirby, on Honeymoon in New York.


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Little Accident

as Joan Huston
Released: 1939-10-26

A baby is passed from hand to hand after her father abandons her.

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Follow the Fleet

as Singer in Trio (uncredited)
Released: 1936-02-20

When the US Navy fleet docks at San Francisco, sailor Bake Baker tries to rekindle the flame...

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Unexpected Father

as Peg - showgirl
Released: 1939-06-14

Jimmy Hanley learns that his former dancing partner has been killed, leaving a baby boy Sandy,...

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Personal Secretary

as Gale Rodgers
Released: 1938-09-09

Two rival newspaper columnists battle over whether or not a woman murdered her playboy husband.

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Margie

as Ruth
Released: 1940-09-01

Newlyweds Bret (Tom Brown) and Margie (Nan Grey) both aspire to show-biz careers: he wants to be...

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To Beat the Band

as Ruth Harper - Girls' Band Leader
Released: 1935-11-23

An eccentric heir must marry a widow in order to collect the millions left to him in his aunt's...

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The Family Next Door

as Laura Pierce
Released: 1939-03-30

Rose Pierce is discontent with her life as the wife of a small town plumber and has visions of...

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Service de Luxe

as Audrey
Released: 1938-10-12

Glamorous and efficient Helen Murphy runs a service that will provide any type of assistance to...

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A Night at the Biltmore Bowl

as Vocalist
Released: 1935-06-21

Join vocalists broadcasting from the Biltmore Bowl in Los Angeles.

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Special Agent K-7

as Peppy
Released: 1936-05-04

Police detective Lanny resents the ongoing interference of the local FBI branch. Hoping to show...

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Old Man Rhythm

as Lois
Released: 1935-08-02

Romantic rivalries between father and son enrolled at the same college.

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Merry Go Round of 1938

as Sally Brown
Released: 1937-11-14

Two screwy characters travel to Hollywood and cause mischief.

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Laughing at Danger

as Mary Baker
Released: 1940-08-12

Frankie Kelly, pageboy at the beauty salon ran by Madam Celeste, and his helper Jefferson find...

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