Myra's family relocated to Kansas City, Missouri during her childhood, marking a pivotal moment in her life. At the tender age of 14, she embarked on a journey that would shape her future, beginning as a dancer in the 12th and Vine district and later transitioning to singing in the vibrant 18th and Vine area. This early start would lay the foundation for her illustrious career.
Fast forward to 1937, Myra made the bold decision to relocate to Chicago, only to return to her roots in Kansas City in 1940, where she joined the renowned Harlan Leonard's band. Her talent and dedication earned her a coveted engagement at Harlem's prestigious Golden Gate Ballroom in New York, where her voice was first recorded on RCA's iconic Bluebird Records label.
However, a disagreement over songwriting credits with Leonard led to a parting of ways, and Myra went on to tour with the illustrious Eubie Blake. She eventually returned to Kansas City, where she continued to hone her craft. In 1946, she achieved significant success with the hit song "Spider and the Fly" on Mercury Records, but unfortunately, another dispute over credits arose.
Frustrated with the American music industry, Myra spent several years in Mexico and Europe, where she continued to perform and refine her skills. During this time, she also had the opportunity to tour with the USO during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
In 1977, Myra settled in Los Angeles, where she began to explore her passion for acting. She eventually returned to her hometown of Kansas City in 1994, where she continued to perform, most notably with the Wild Women of Kansas City. Her final performance took place in June 2011, bringing a fitting close to an extraordinary career spanning over seven decades.
