Doris Fisher: The Songwriting Sensation of the 1940s

A Prolific Songwriter with a Legendary Legacy

Doris Fisher was an American singer and songwriter who made her mark on the music industry in the 1940s. With a plethora of hit songs to her credit, she is best known for collaborating with renowned artists like the Ink Spots, Louis Prima, Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.

Early Life and Inspirations

Born on May 2, 1915, in New York, Doris Fisher was the daughter of noted songwriter Fred Fisher. Growing up in a family of musicians, she was exposed to the world of music from a young age. Her brothers, Dan Fisher and Marvin Fisher, also went on to become successful songwriters. The Fisher family's musical influence and her father's guidance played a significant role in shaping Doris's career.

Radio and Big Band Performances

In the late 1930s, Doris began singing regularly on radio station WOR with Eddy Duchin's band. She also performed with other notable big bands, including Count Basie, and led the vocal group Penny Wise and Her Wise Guys, which recorded for the Vocalion label in 1938.

Doris's first major hit composition came in 1938 when she co-wrote the novelty song "Tutti Frutti" with Slim Gaillard. This success led to her writing songs for Mike Todd's Star and Garter revue on Broadway. In 1940, she co-wrote "Whispering Grass" with her father for the Ink Spots.

Partnership with Allan Roberts

The most successful period of Doris's songwriting career began when she met lyricist Allan Roberts in 1944. Working together, they created some of the most iconic songs of the era, including "You Always Hurt the One You Love," "Good, Good, Good That's You, That's You," "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall," and "That Ole Devil Called Love." These hits were recorded by legendary artists like the Mills Brothers, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, and Billie Holiday.

Legacy and Impact

Doris Fisher's contributions to the music industry are undeniable. Her songs have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and she has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz and popular music. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of songwriters and musicians.

Notable Songs and Collaborations

• "Whispering Grass" (1940) - Ink Spots
• "You Always Hurt the One You Love" (1944) - Mills Brothers
• "Good, Good, Good That's You, That's You" (1944) - Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters
• "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall" (1944) - Ink Spots and Ella Fitzgerald
• "That Ole Devil Called Love" (1944) - Billie Holiday
• "Angelina The Waitress at the Pizzeria" (1944) - Louis Prima
• "Tampico" (1944) - Stan Kenton

Awards and Honors

In 2017, the Mills Brothers' version of "You Always Hurt the One You Love" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to Doris Fisher's enduring legacy in the music industry.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Born: May 2, 1915, in New York Died: January 15, 2003 Daughter of noted songwriter Fred Fisher Brothers Dan Fisher and Marvin Fisher were also songwriters