The Anita Kerr Singers
The Anita Kerr Singers were a prominent American vocal ensemble founded in the early 1950s by Anita Kerr, a talented singer, arranger, composer, conductor, and pianist. Born Anita Jean Grilli on October 13, 1927, in Memphis, Tennessee, she moved to Nashville with her husband, Al Kerr, in 1948. There, she organized a vocal quintet that caught the attention of a WSM radio program director, leading to her leading and arranging an octet choir for the station's broadcasts.
The group's first significant recording was with Red Foley, resulting in a hit on Billboard's Pop chart in 1950. They soon became in-demand session singers, backing country artists like Eddy Arnold and Patsy Cline. In 1956, they won a contest on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, which led to regular appearances on his show. By 1961, the Anita Kerr Singers signed with RCA Victor, releasing albums that expanded their repertoire and solidified their influence on the "Nashville Sound."
The Anita Kerr Singers were known for their harmonious blend of country and pop, contributing to the crossover success of many artists. They recorded their own albums and won Grammy Awards for their performances. The ensemble's key members included Anita Kerr, Gil Wright, Louis Nunley, and Dottie Dillard, among others. Their legacy endures as a defining force in American popular music, blending country roots with polished pop sophistication.