Victory Sweethearts

The Victory Sweethearts was an American all-female swing big band founded in 1938. After the United States entered World War II, Victory Sweethearts toured the US appearing at USO events and military bases in support of the troops.[1] The band was featured on national radio broadcasts.[2] Their repertoire included numbers featuring instrumental soloists, complete arrangements for the entire ensemble, and novelties.[3][4]

Victory Sweethearts
OriginMidwestern United States
GenresSwing
Years active1940s

The Victory Sweethearts were founded by Freddie Shaffer, a musician from Frankfort, Indiana who began performing as an all-girl band with 15 girls and was the leader.[5] The group name was inspired by the band members' deployed fiancés and the girls' desire to build morale and contribute to the victory effort.[6][7]

Ruth Mary Mack played drums and was known as the female Gene Krupa.[8] Pat Wolff wrote "I Ran Away With An All-Girl Band" a book about her time in the girls' band.[9] Arthella Louise "Artie" Phelps went by the stage name "Louise Lust" and would dedicate songs on air to her then-fiancé, Ray.[2]

The Victory Sweethearts played at venues including Hotel Statler, Buffalo, Castle Farm, Cincinnati; Vague Terrace, Pittsburgh; Hotel New Yorker, New York City, Palace Theatre, Cleveland; Circle Theatre, Indianapolis; and the Earle Theatre, Washington.[3][10][11][12]

Band members
  • Freddie Shaffer, trumpet
  • Ruth Mary Mack, drummer[8]
  • Ruth Tyler Christiansen, singer[13]
  • Louise Lust (stage name for Arthella Louise "Artie" Phelps), trumpet, singer
  • Pat Wolff, saxophonist, clarinet[14][15]
  • Marlene Miller, saxophone, clarinet, piano[16]
  • Mary Caroline Bennett, trombonist
  • Betty O'hara, variety of brass instruments[17]
  • Lois "Maxine" (Wright) DeLuca, bassist
  • Lois A. Kuiper[18]

References
  1. Briton, B (4 April 2004). "First Takes - Televised story on Victory Sweethearts". Indianapolis Star. p. 2. ProQuest 240676469. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  2. "Arthella Louise "Artie" Phelps Obituary (1922 - 2008) Ventura County Star". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
  3. "Seniors' Show Brings Shaffer Girls Orchestra". Defiance Crescent News. 14 November 1950. p. 5. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  4. "Spotlight: Metro Edition". Orlando Sentiel. 18 Jul 1997. ProQuest 278979681. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  5. "Dancing Tonight to Freddie Shaffer and his All Girl Orchestra". Coshocton Tribune. 15 June 1947. p. 3. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  6. "Policemen's Annual Ball At Elks Ballroom Tonight; Fine Orchestra, "Freddie Shaffer And His Victory Sweethearts"". Sandusky Register Star News. 27 Oct 1942. p. 2. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  7. "Furnish Music At Police Ball". Sandusky Register Star News. 30 Sep 1942. p. 3. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  8. "Victory Sweethearts". Warren Times Mirror. 6 Nov 1945. p. 12. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  9. Wolff, Patricia (1999). I Ran Away With An All-Girl Band, My life on the road with the Victory Sweethearts. Stone Hut Printing. ISBN 0967573203.
  10. "All Girl Orchestra To Entertain At Lee". Petersburg Progress Index. 14 Jun 1953. p. 19. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  11. "Kilroy's Crystal Rock Park Presents Freddie Shaffer and His All-Girl Orchestra". Sandusky Register Star News. 28 Oct 1947. p. 2. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  12. "On The Air Tonight". New Castle News. 4 Jun 1949. p. 15. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  13. "Ruth Tyler Christiansen". Wilks Funeral Home. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  14. Wolff, Pat (7 Nov 1999). I Ran Away With An All-Girl Band, My life on the road with the Victory Sweethearts. ISBN 0967573203.
  15. Carlin, Ann (26 Jun 1965). "Local Artist Exhibits at City Library". Record Eagle. p. 7. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  16. "Marlene Miller | 1923 - 2016 | Obituary". Porter Funeral Homes. 17 Apr 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  17. Stewart, Z (14 May 1993). "50 years and still playing". Los Angeles Times [Valley Edition]. ProQuest 282072923. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  18. "Lois A. Kuiper Obituary". ProQuest. 5 May 2022. ProQuest 383164827. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
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