Plump singer known for her small, high-pitched voice, Mildred Bailey was one of the most popular female vocalists of the 1930s. Despite all of her success, superstardom eluded Bailey. Bailey continued recording until the mid-1940s, when health problems forced her to retire. Plagued by a combination of diabetes, heart trouble and hardening of the arteries, she was near death and broke until she was rescued by composer Jimmy Van Heusen, who arranged to split her medical bills with Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. She recovered well-enough to begin performing again, but her health problems eventually took their toll, and she died, penniless, on December 12, 1951, at age 44. Uncommon vintage matte-finish 4 x 5 photo of Bailey gazing into the camera, signed in fountain pen. In fine condition, with a bit of light signature contrast. R&R COA.
