Stardusters

The Stardusters began as a male vocal trio (Glen Galyon, Curt Purnell, Dick Wylder) formed in the early 30s straight out of college. They enjoyed a fair amount of success and were featured on NBC radio for most of the decade. In 1939, Mae McKim (Purnell's wife) briefly joined the group as a fourth member. Two years later, the Stardusters were signed by band leader Charlie Spivak as a close harmony backing group and became a quartet once again with the addition of June Hutton (the half sister of Ina Ray Hutton who famously led an all-girl orchestra during the swing era). They recorded several popular hits, including "This Is No Laughing Matter" and "After I Say I'm Sorry." Spivak's saxophonist Don Raffell later recalled "June Hutton was one of the all-time superior singers... She was effective leading a vocal group like the Stardusters or singing solo... The Stardusters with Hutton were every bit as exciting as the more publicized Modernaires or the Pied Pipers." Nonetheless, in late 1943, the group was fired by Spivak due to what he described as 'disharmony' among the members. Hutton went on to replace Jo Stafford as one of The Pied Pipers. The remaining trio brought in another female vocalist and continued supporting swing bands (Phil Napoleon and Stan Kenton) as well as solo artists (Billie Holiday, Peter Lind Hayes, Monica Lewis) for the rest of the decade and into the early 50s. They were even featured in a couple of low budget second features. However, post-Spivak they never quite managed to recapture their earlier popularity.