Teddy Grace

Though her promising path as a vocalist ended abruptly due to unforeseen circumstances, the majority of Teddy Grace's work has found new life through a reissue on the Timeless label. Entering the professional singing arena in 1931, she performed over the airwaves throughout the southern states and held positions with several bandleaders, including Al Katz in 1933, Tommy Christian the following year, and Mal Hallett intermittently from 1934 until 1937. Between 1937 and 1940, she laid down tracks for Decca alongside notable musicians such as Bobby Hackett, Jack Teagarden, Charlie Shavers, Buster Bailey, Pee Wee Russell, and Bud Freeman. Growing weary of the industry, Grace stepped away in 1940. Enlisting with the WACs amid World War II, her vocal abilities were irreparably damaged after overexertion during numerous performances at bond drives and concerts. While her ability to speak recovered partially, albeit diminished, singing remained impossible, leading her to pursue a life removed from musical pursuits thereafter.