MY INTERVIEW - GINNY SIMMS

One of the first interviews I had the honor to do was with the great singer Ginny Simms. It was 1992, and I was 18 years old. Ginny Simms was living quietly in Palm Springs. It was a phone interview because this was before the internet, and I did not record it, but I found some of the transcripts...

MY QUESTION: What are your greatest memories of your time in Hollywood

GINNY SIMMS: I have so many great memories. My fondest memories was all the talented people I got to know and work with like Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, and George Murphy. I got to know a lot of the brilliant songwriters like Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. It was an amazing time.

MY QUESTION: Speaking of Judy Garland, as we all know she dealt was some horrible things in Hollywood. Did you ever see the darker side of Hollywood?

GINNY SIMMS: The darker side was definitely there. I had to deal with Louis B Mayer, who thought I would be his girlfriend if he got me roles. I liked singing more than acting, but I once went out to dinner with him, not knowing that after that I would be known as his girlfriend, but he was a horrible person. It was a tough time in Hollywood for women, and it probably is tough. 

MY QUESTION: You started out with Kay Kyser and his orchestra, what are your memories of those years?

GINNY SIMMS: Kay Kyser was a wonderful human being. He really was. I am still friends with his wife Georgia (Georgia Carroll). He was like a father figure to me, and he was one of the nicest people I got to know when I first left Texas. Harry Babbitt, who I sang with was another really nice soul. 

MY QUESTION: Would you ever consider making a record today in 1992?

GINNY SIMMS: Oh heavens know. I basically retired in the late 1950s. My voice is not as clear as it used to be. My health is only so-so. I am mostly in a wheelchair now due to my heart, but I still get around. I love going on my porch and enjoying my garden. I sing once and a while to my old records, but only in private.

I wish I had more of this interview. Sadly, Ginny Simms died on my birthday - April 4, 1994. If you get a chance, listen to some of her singing. She is very underrated as vocalist. I'll never forget this interview I did with her!