Virginia Simms, known professionally as Ginny Simms, was a renowned American singer and actress born on May 23, 1913, in Texas, although she spent most of her childhood in California, which is reflected in her distinct lack of a Southern accent.
Ginny's musical talents were evident from an early age, as she studied piano as a child. However, it was her exceptional vocal abilities that launched her career, which began when she formed a singing trio while attending Fresno State Teachers College. Her performances at a San Francisco club caught the attention of bandleader and radio star Kay Kyser, who became her mentor, romantic partner, and the driving force behind her rise to fame.
As the featured singer of Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge, a comedy revue modeled after a quiz show with music, Ginny became a household name, entertaining audiences through radio broadcasts and recordings of swing and pop albums. Her big break in films came with guest vocals in three RKO productions, including That's Right - You're Wrong (1939),You'll Find Out (1940),and Playmates (1941).
Following her success in films, Ginny decided to pursue a solo career, leaving Kay Kyser's tour and seeking fame and fortune in Hollywood. Kyser eventually replaced her with Georgia Carroll both professionally and personally, marrying the latter. Ginny, meanwhile, earned her own popular radio show and dedicated herself to the war effort, earning widespread praise for her tireless work.
Throughout her career, Ginny recorded numerous hit songs, including "Deep Purple," "Indian Summer," "I'd Like to Set You to Music," "I Can't Get Started," "I Love Paris," and "Stormy Weather." Her captivating on-screen presence and striking features, including high cheekbones and a radiant smile, made her a natural for the silver screen.
Ginny co-starred with comedy legends Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Hit the Ice (1943) and appeared in notable supporting roles at MGM, including Broadway Rhythm (1944) and Night and Day (1946),a Cole Porter biopic starring Cary Grant and Alexis Smith. Her performance in the latter film showcased her impressive vocal range, as she sang some of Porter's most beloved standards.
Despite her early success, Ginny's career eventually lost momentum, allegedly due to her turning down a marriage proposal from Louis B. Mayer, the head of MGM, who retaliated by terminating her contract. Ginny subsequently left Hollywood in 1951 and retired from the entertainment industry.
In her post-Hollywood life, Ginny operated a travel agency and developed an interest in interior decorating, working with her first husband, Hyatt Dehn, on the design of the Hyatt Hotel chain. She also pursued real estate with her third husband, Donald Eastvold. As the mother of two sons from her first marriage, Ginny passed away on January 5, 1994, at the age of 78, due to complications from a heart attack.
