Helen Forrest

about

Helen Forrest (April 12, 1917 – July 11, 1999) was an American singer. She served as the "girl singer" for three of the most popular big bands of the Swing Era (Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and Harry James), thereby earning a reputation as "the voice of the name bands." Helen was born Helen Fogel in Atlantic City, New Jersey on April 12, 1917. Her parents, Louis and Rebecca Fogel, were Russian-born Jews. While she was still an infant, Helen's father died from influenza. Helen was raised by her mother, who often blamed her husband's death on the birth of Helen. She believed that God had taken her husband because she had wished so much for a baby girl. Helen had three older brothers: Harry, Ed, and Sam. The family relocated to Brooklyn when Helen was in her early teenage years. Her mother married a house painter, a man that Helen disliked. Soon, Helen's mother and stepfather turned the family's home into a brothel. At age 14, Helen was nearly raped by her stepfather. Helen defended herself with a kitchen knife, injuring him. Following this, she was permitted by her mother to live with her piano teacher, Honey Silverman, and her family. While learning piano, Honey noticed Helen's singing ability and encouraged her to focus on singing instead. Anxious to find a career in singing, Helen dropped out of high school to pursue her dream. Helen returned to Atlantic City and began singing with her brother Ed's band. She soon returned to New York City, where she visited song publishers a

top songs

albums

Helen Forrest: The Complete World Transcriptions

I Had the Craziest Dream

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The Voice Of The Name Bands/Trudy Richards Crazy In Love

On the Sunny Side of the Street

The Incredible Helen Forrest

Help Yourself To My Heart

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Sweet & Simple (Vol. 2)

The Complete Helen Forrest With Harry James

Presenting Helen Forrest

Sweeter As the the Years Go By

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The One and Only: Helen Forrest

Voice Of The Name Bands

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