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Martha Tilton Obituary
Tilton died of natural causes at her Brentwood home, her granddaughter Maura Smith said.
Tilton joined the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra in 1935, but she didn't make her first recording until 1937 when she joined Goodman and remained with him until 1939 when she left in a shake-up after the departure of Harry James.
While with Goodman, she performed in a famous swing concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938.
Tilton worked with Artie Shaw briefly before joining the Billy Mills Orchestra on the "Fibber McGee and Molly" radio show in 1941. She also was the host of her own NBC radio show, "Liltin' Martha Tilton Time."
She then became a solo artist. Besides "I'll Walk Alone" in 1944, other big hits were "I Should Care" and "A Stranger in Town" in 1945; "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" from "Finian's Rainbow"; "That's My Desire"; and "I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder."
Tilton also appeared in several motion pictures, including "The Benny Goodman Story," playing herself opposite Steve Allen's Goodman.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
20 Entries
M W
November 16, 2023
The Angels Will Sing for her.
Richard
November 6, 2020
We lived at 501 N. Highland, next to the Thomas family from1941 to 1949. I saw them daily. They took me with them on many trips. Martha would practice singing upstairs about 20 feet from my bedroom. Seventy years later, I still listen to her songs. Wonderful lady & family.
Joe
May 31, 2020
Only the Best of the Girl Singers Then And Now ! Thankfully We Still Have the Recordings, Movies, TV and Radio Shows to Continue to Enjoy !
Michael Oram
February 6, 2019
Martha was a great singer I love that song Angels sing and may God rest her soul
How you can show support
Harry Simpson
December 8, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Flip Eiland
July 4, 2014
How often I'd taken comfort in that sweet voice.Such talent. Ah yes, the greatest generation
Marvin Mayo
March 5, 2013
I remember her from the radio show "Alka Seltzer Time". I was barely a teenager then. I think she helped set my musical preference for Oldies that has persisted for 60+ years.
Marvin Mayo
April 2, 2010
For Martha...you sang with the
best of the big bands. The song
I most remember And The Angles Sing.
Now...you perform for Him.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Jorene Wagner
December 14, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Elaine Mock
December 14, 2006
I strongly remember Martha Tilton and the songs she sang. My family used to listen every Sunday to The Hit Parade...and thus my memories of her....Blessings to her family and I too hope she led a happy life.
Julia
December 13, 2006
What a beautiful voice!!! She will be singing with the angels in heaven. Take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel watching over you.
jennifer hobbs
December 13, 2006
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
MARGARET GRANITE
December 13, 2006
I was born in 1941 and can still remember hearing Liltin' Martha Tilton singing on the radio during the 1940s as I was growing up. Some things are so meaningful, you never forget them. May she rest in peace.
kathy & gary holden
December 13, 2006
have recently been listening to fibber tapes and heard for the first time this beautiful voice. I hope she had a "Wonderful Life". We will continue to hear her and pray her family is well.
Vicky Chapman
December 13, 2006
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful voice that lady had. She'll be singing with the angels now. My sincere condolences to the Tilton family.
Judith BIllard
December 13, 2006
To the family of Martha Tilton...
They may forget what she sang,
but they will never forget how
she made them feel.
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.
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