Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, her father, a railroad worker, abandoned the family when Marion was only four-years-old. In order to support her two daughters her mother opened a small speakeasy in their home. Marion and Betty would often perform for the patrons. Trouble with police kept the family on the move, and eventually they ended up in Detroit.
Marion began her professional career with the Vincent Lopez Orchestra in 1938, alongside and overshadowed by her sister. Her career took a turn for the better when Glenn Miller heard the two sisters sing one night in Boston. Though Betty was the one who captured the public's eye Miller thought Marion would be easier to handle, and in September he invited her to join his group.
Marion was well-liked by everyone in Miller's orchestra, both for her vocal talents and for her bright personality. Miller himself loved the girl-next-door aura that she projected. In fact, he briefly changed her name to Sissy Jones!
In the 1960s Marion married Vic Schoen, noted arranger and long-time music director for the Andrews Sisters. The couple eventually settled in Kirkland, Washington, where Marion served as director of Residence XII, an alcoholic treatment center for women, a position she held until her death in 1987. Reportedly at the time of her death Marion was estranged from her sister Betty. They had worked together sporadically during their careers. Marion was more than Betty Hutton's sister, she was a true big band legend...
Very nice article! I also recently wrote about Marion Hutton for my blog Girl Singer. I am the current female vocalist for the touring Glenn Miller Orchestra and I sing many of her songs. Found some interesting articles and photos of her.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.girlsinger.org/2012/11/23/marion-hutton/
Marion was never a member of the Modernaires. The Mods were three guys, then four guys. One of Marion's temporary replacements, Paula Kelly, married Head Modernaire Hal ("Spooky") Dickenson. Paula and Hal owned the name and the act, so you could say that Paula, from Grove City, PA, was a 'member' of the group.
ReplyDeleteI corrected this. Are you the Mike Plaskett from the radio?
DeleteNot so disparage Marion Hutton, but Paula Kelly was a much better singer and blended better with the Modernaires.
ReplyDeleteI am of the opinion that Marion, although maybe not a better singer than Paula Kelly, she had that "something" that when she partnered Tex Beneke in song, she made everybody love her. Without her the Glenn Miller orchestra would not have been the same.
ReplyDeleteI thought she was nice.
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteYour page no longer works. I would love to put some of your stories on my blog. Email me if interested.