Martha Mears (July 18, 1910 – December 13, 1986) was a radio and film contralto singer, active from the 1930s to 1950s. She introduced in films original songs which have become standards, including "Long Ago (and Far Away)", and "My Foolish Heart".

Early years

Mears was born in Mexico, Missouri. Her mother died when Mears was 4 years old, and she went to live with her grandmother. Five years later, she began living with an aunt and uncle in Moberly, Missouri. She began taking singing lessons when she was 15. She graduated from Moberly (Missouri) High School, Moberly Junior College and then, in 1933, from the University of Missouri with plans to be a teacher. On a post-graduation trip to New York City, however, her search for a teaching position was unsuccessful. Instead she found a job with Gus Edwards' Stars of Tomorrow show.

Radio

Mears sang on KFRU in Columbia, Missouri, and on WIL in St. Louis, Missouri, before a 1934 interview led to a contract with NBC. She sang on such programs as Al Pearce and His Gang, The Baker's Broadcast (also known as The Joe Penner Show), It Happened in Hollywood, Ten-Two-Four Ranch, The Colgate House Party, The Old Gold Program, The General Foods Show, Bob Ripley, Phillip Morris, and Radio Rodeo. During World War II, Mears was featured on several episodes of the Personal Album program produced by the Armed Forces Radio Service.

Film

She was also the singing voice of many film actresses, notably singing for Marjorie Reynolds in the debut of "White Christmas" in the movie Holiday Inn (1942), for Rita Hayworth in Cover Girl and for one of Lucille Ball's songs in DuBarry Was a Lady (1943). Her other movie credits include dubbing the singing voices of actresses such as Claudette Colbert, Loretta Young, Hedy Lamarr, Veronica Lake, and Eva Gabor.

Personal life

Mears was married to Sidney Brokaw, a violinist, and they had a son.

Partial filmography

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