Today, we remember Doris Day, who sang her way into our hearts with classic songs like: 'Sentimental Journey,' 'Que Sera, Sera,' 'Please, Please, Don't Eat the Daisies' and many more cherished tunes.
Doris Day was known for being the epitome of sugar and spice and everything nice... all sweetness, wholesomeness, and goodness! Her style was bright and cheerful; she was the legendary girl next door.
UPDATE: Details on TCM's Doris Day movie tribute below...
According to the Doris Day Animal Foundation, Doris had been in excellent health until she recently contracted a serious case of pneumonia. She passed away Monday, May 13, 2019 at the age of 97, in her home in Carmel Valley, California surrounded by dear friends.
What an incredible, soothing voice she had, recording over 600 songs, in which generation after generation, have enjoyed listening to. Many of her hit songs, such as: 'On Moonlight Bay,' 'Love Me, Or Leave Me' and 'April in Paris' were the highlight of the films she starred in. No matter your age or the era you grew up in, Doris' songs still evoke a certain sentiment... a heartwarming emotion... a feeling of ease, like a warm breeze on a carefree Summer day.
Doris was born April 3, 1922; her given name was Doris Mary Ann Kappeloff by her parents, William Joseph Kappeloff and Alma Sophia. Doris had two older brothers, Richard and Paul. Richard, however, passed before Doris was born.
As a young girl, Doris initially wanted to be a professional dancer, but after she injured her leg in a car accident in 1937, that dream ended. Instead, she realized her singing talent as she sang along with the radio, recovering from her accident. Doris took singing lessons and worked with the Les Brown band, eventually recording the hit song 'Sentimental Journey' in 1945.
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| screen-cap image via 'Romance on the High Seas' |
From there, she was recommended for an audition for the movie 'Romance on the High Seas' in 1948. Doris, of course, earned the role, which led to more films thereafter. She even co-starred in a feature film with future President, Ronald Reagan, in "The Winning Team". In all, she made 39 films, even dancing in many of them, thus fulfilling her first dream, as well!
Even more than her entertainment dreams, Doris yearned to be a housewife and mother. She had one son, Terry, who, sadly, proceeded her in death in 2004. Terry's son, Ryan, is her only grandchild.
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| Doris Day with her son, Terry |
In her later years, Doris loved being surrounded by the love and companionship of her animals. In 1978, she founded the Doris Day Pet Foundation, now the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
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| Doris Day and Jimmy Stewart in promotional photo for "The Man Who Knew Too Much" |
My personal love of Doris Day films began with movies like "Move Over, Darling" with James Garner and the Alfred Hitchcock film, "The Man Who Knew Too Much," with Jimmy Stewart. It has also been a thrill for me, personally, to share my birthday with Doris Day each year and send her a birthday greeting here on my blog.
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| Doris Day and James Garner in promotional shot for "Move Over Darling" |
Doris' song 'A Bushel and a Peck' brings to mind a very special childhood memory for me of my Grandmother (we called her Ma-Ma). My own Momma would often sing to me and my siblings many of her favorite Doris Day songs, as we were growing up and still today! Furthermore, a dear, precious Aunt of mine, actually looked a lot like Doris Day. She was such a beautiful lady, inside and out.
Like an old movie reel playing in my mind, I can still see family members (past and present), sitting around in a circle at holiday gatherings, singing gospel hymns and cherished Doris Day songs like 'Sentimental Journey,' 'You are my Sunshine' and 'By the Light of the Silvery Moon'.
I imagine many of you also have your own sweet memories, in which Doris Day is a special part. Please share yours or any favorite Doris Day movie or song you may have, in comments below - as we remember Doris Day today in her 'Sentimental Journey' home...
May God bless and comfort
all the dear family and friends of Doris Day.
all the dear family and friends of Doris Day.
In God's Love... with my prayers, Net
(See TCM's Doris Day tribute schedule below...)
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will celebrate the life and career of iconic actress, singer and animal activist Doris Day with a 24-hour, 13-film tribute on Sunday, June 9.
TCM Remembers Doris Day – Sunday June 9
6:00 a.m. Romance on the High Seas (1948)- A singer on a Caribbean cruise gets mixed up in a series of romantic problems.
8:00 a.m. My Dream Is Yours (1949) – A talent scout turns a young unknown into a radio singing star.
10:00 a.m. Tea For Two (1950) – An heiress has to say no to every question for 24 hours if she wants to star on Broadway.
11:45 a.m. On Moonlight Bay (1951)– A small-town tomboy falls for the boy-next-door in the years before World War I.
1:30 p.m. Carson on TCM: Doris Day (1976)– Doris Day joined Johnny to discuss why she decided to set the record straight about her life and write her autobiography.
1:45 p.m. Love Me or Leave Me (1955)– True story of torch singer Ruth Etting's struggle to escape the gangster who made her a star.
4:00 p.m. Calamity Jane (1953)– The Wild West heroine helps bring a star attraction to Deadwood and finds love.
6:00 p.m. Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) - A drama critic and his family try to adjust to life in the country.
8:00 p.m. Pillow Talk (1959) - A man and woman carry their feud over the telephone line they share into their real lives.
10:00 p.m. Lover Come Back (1961) – An ad exec in disguise courts his pretty female competitor.
12:00 a.m. Move Over Darling (1963) – Five years after a woman disappeared in the sea after a plane crash, her husband remarries and sets off to be with the new wife only to be confronted by the woman he had pronounced legally dead.
2:00 a.m. The Glass Bottom Boat (1966) – A woman writing a scientist’s biography is mistaken for a spy.
4:00 a.m. Julie (1956)– A stewardess is stalked by her psychotic estranged husband.
(All times Eastern)
Listen here to Doris Day singing 'Sentimental Journey'...
Such a sad day. Doris' comedies are such a big part of my childhood.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the StoryEnthusiast... it is very sad to say goodbye to Doris. I'm glad to hear she's a special part of your childhood memories too.
DeleteOh Net, you were the first person I thought of when I heard the news of her passing. I told my husband, Net will be upset(you're a household name) and she will be posting about Doris I'm sure. She was one a kind! My favorite song of hers was You Are My Sunshine. Sang that with my dear sweet mama & daddy as a kid!!
ReplyDeleteAwe, Joyce... that is so sweet that you thought of me when you heard the news about Doris. Bless you. When I heard about her passing this morning I was very sad. My heart goes out to her dear friends and family. You are so right - she truly was one of kind. I love that you sang 'You Are My Sunshine' with your Mama & Daddy... that is such a beautiful memory. I remember singing it often as a child, as well! Even though we didn't personally know her, it is incredible how she touched so many of our lives!
DeleteMy Mom and I sang Sentimental Journey too. And many of the others. It’s started out with me singing the melody and her singing the harmony. But it switched as I got older. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that! Singing harmony is such a gift. My Momma also does it so beautifully. If I can hear it on a certain song, I can sometimes pick it up... so maybe with a little practice! ♪♫♬ Perhaps... Perhaps... Perhaps... (yes, that's a little nod to another Doris Day song!)
DeleteThank you for sharing your precious memory!
A lovely post! I always liked her -- thanks for this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanie... I know Doris was loved by many.
DeleteA lovely tribute to her Net. Thank you for sharing with us. I can hear my Daddy singing those songs in times of random sweet moments, or getting me settled at night. He did the same to grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Saying "I love you a bushel and a peck" became common and heard throughout 3 generations.Daddy has gone home,but his voice, Doris Day's songs, and little quotes live on.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Doris Day. Thank you for everything! God bless the family.
That is such a wonderful memory of your Daddy. How precious. The song 'A Bushel and a Peck' has gone through many generations in my family, as well - whether it was sung or said... and we still sing today!
DeleteThank you so much for sharing! I'm so glad your Daddy left you this wonderful memory to treasure forever.
Blessings to you! Net
I think my mother sang her Que Sera song when I was a kid.I have watched a lot of Doris Day movies on the classic movie channel and really loved her.She had a lovely voice and such style.There are so many wonderful songs of hers that I couldn't pick just one but there is something fine about her tone and delivery.
ReplyDeleteThey will probably have a tribute day for her on the classic movie channel.
Even though I am not of that generation I have a great appreciation for her movies and the music she gave us all.I loved that she was an animal lover like I am.
Peace and Prayers for a darling lady who we shall remember fondly and miss forever.
That was so beautifully said! Thank you for sharing your precious memory of your Mother.
DeleteI agree - it is hard to choose just one favorite Doris Day song. Like you, I am not from that generation, but since my Grandmother and Momma, and other family members, sang her songs so much... I developed a love for her music too!
And yes, as expected, TCM will have a movie tribute for Doris Day on Sunday, June 9th. I updated the post above and added the movie schedule.
Again, thank you for your lovely message.
God's Blessings, Net
Beautifully said, Net. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, Ann! I know how much you adored Doris, as well! She touched so many of our lives with her beautiful music and delightful movies.
DeleteBlessings to you, Net
I loved her...que sera sera
ReplyDeleteYes... Doris was wonderful! Love that song, too! :)
DeleteLike Joyce, I thought of you right away Net, and your love for Doris, when I heard of her passing. You captured her perfectly in your tribute. While I enjoy many of Doris' movies, I especially have a fondness for her early ones, especially Tea for Two and On Moonlight Bay. (I am so glad TCM is including those in her 13-film celebration.)
ReplyDeleteDoris recorded many Christmas tunes from 1946-1959, and then recorded a Christmas album in 1964. Her version of Here Comes Santa Claus (1949) is my favorite version of that song, although all of her Christmas songs are wonderful to listen to on a cold winter night (or heck, even on a hot summer day)!
Mark 25
How sweet! Thank you, Mark! I feel so blessed that my "It's a Wonderful Movie" family was so incredibly thoughtful to think of me. You guys are the best! Truly! That touches my heart so much, as I know this is a sad loss for us all.
DeleteLike you, Mark, those early films, like Moonlight Bay and Tea for Two, where Doris portrays the wholesome girl next door - are my favorite roles for her and why I always liked her. It was the essence of those characters - pure and sweet - that drew me to Doris Day... and her delightful singing voice, too, of course!
I purchased a CD a few years ago of her Christmas album and just fell in love with every song. It's a favorite of mine to play throughout the Christmas season, as I'm busy decorating... or like you, sometimes I enjoy it any time of the year! I love all the peppy fun songs, plus her rendition of Silent Night is beyond spectacular. My soul feels renewed each time I hear it, it's like angels singing from on high!
Thank you so much, Mark, for sharing all your favorites of Doris.
Blessings, Net
Wow...such a lovely tribute to a lovely lady!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this sweet message. I so agree... Doris was, indeed, such a lovely lady!
DeleteHey, Net, I posted earlier but it may not have gone through. My internet has been in and out since Sunday because of high winds and lots of rain!! I, too, thought of you over the passing of our beloved Doris knowing how much you adored her as we all did. She is resting in the arms of our Creator being rewarded for a life well lived and listening to the angel's beautiful voices singing praise and glory to our Lord. Comfort and blessings to all her family and friends.
ReplyDeleteOh... Thank you, Linda, for your lovely response. I double-checked and I don't see another response from you. I'm sorry to hear you've had some rough weather. I sure hope it's improving now.
DeleteIt is such a blessing to be thought of by you and so many here. You all are so sweet - I wish I could give each of you a big hug!
Your comment is so beautiful, Linda... I can definitely imagine Doris Day singing with the angels now.
Take care with all the storms about... I am so grateful for you and your support!
Blessings, Net