Missing Doris Day songs to be revived

AN ALBUM of lost recordings made by Doris Day in the 1940s has been revived by a man who she once babysat for as a budding star.

Les Brown Jr, the son of Day’s former band leader, has combined her recordings, broadcast once on radio but unreleased on record, with his father’s orchestra.

The result – titled Doris Day, With Love – will be released in November, nearly 80 years after the original recording sessions.

The Calamity Jane actress, inset, died at her home in Carmel Valley, California, in May aged 97, after a serious case of pneumonia.

Day began her career as a singer but switched to acting in the 1950s after securing starring roles in Calamity Jane and Pillow Talk, leaving behind a number of unreleased recordings.

The album features a selection of cover versions and was originally broadcast with Day accompanied by the Page Cavanaugh Trio, who featured in some of her early films.

However, it was only after teaming up with American jazz musician Les Brown Sr and His Band of Renown that she found real success, enjoying two number one singles in 1945. Now Les Brown Snr’s son, for who Day acted as a babysitter in her early years, has produced the original mono tracks with a full orchestra in stereo.

Les Brown Jr became so close to the late singer he referred to her by the nickname “Dodo”. He said: “Doris Day was a magical performer. A star of the screen of course, but blessed with a wonderful voice. At the time, of course,

“I knew her simply as my dad’s glamorous friend.

“I know that dad and Doris would be delighted.

“We’ve done them proud.”