Dinah Shore
Actor
About Dinah Shore
Dinah Shore, born Frances Rose Shore, was an American singer, actress, and television personality who became one of the most popular entertainers of the mid-20th century. She began her career as a singer on radio in the late 1930s, signing with RCA Victor in 1940 and quickly becoming one of their best-selling artists. Her transition to film in the 1940s included roles in musical pictures like 'Till the Clouds Roll By' (1946), 'Belle of the Yukon' (1944), and 'Up in Arms' (1944), where she showcased her vocal talents. Shore's greatest success came with television, where she hosted several successful variety shows, most notably 'The Dinah Shore Chevy Show' (1956-1963), which made her one of TV's first major female stars. Throughout her career, she sold over 80 million records and earned numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and Grammy nominations. Shore's warm, accessible persona and versatile talent made her a beloved figure in American entertainment for over five decades.
The Craft
On Screen
Natural and charming on-screen presence, primarily showcased her singing abilities in musical films with a warm, approachable demeanor that translated well to both film and television audiences
Milestones
- Signed with RCA Victor in 1940
- First major hit 'Yes, My Darling Daughter' (1940)
- Film debut in 'Up in Arms' (1944)
- Starred in 'Till the Clouds Roll By' (1946)
- Hosted 'The Dinah Shore Chevy Show' (1956-1963)
- Won first Emmy Award in 1956
- Inducted into Georgia Music Hall of Fame (1985)
- Received Kennedy Center Honors (1992)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Musical Series (1956)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Musical Contribution (1959)
- Grammy Hall of Fame Award for 'Blues in the Night' (2001, posthumous)
- Peabody Award (1973)
Nominated
- 10 Primetime Emmy Award nominations (1956-1975)
- 2 Grammy Award nominations
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)
- Georgia Music Hall of Fame (1985)
- Kennedy Center Honors (1992)
- Women in Film Crystal Award (1985)
- National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters Hall of Fame (1995, posthumous)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dinah Shore broke barriers as one of television's first major female hosts, paving the way for future women in entertainment broadcasting. Her variety shows set the standard for musical entertainment programming, and her catchphrase 'See the USA in your Chevrolet' became an iconic part of American advertising culture. Shore's successful transition from radio to film to television demonstrated the adaptability required in the rapidly changing entertainment landscape of the mid-20th century. She helped normalize the concept of women hosting their own prime-time shows and maintained a wholesome yet sophisticated image that appealed to mainstream American audiences during a period of significant social change.
Lasting Legacy
Dinah Shore's legacy encompasses her contributions to multiple entertainment mediums and her impact on American popular culture. She left an indelible mark on television with her pioneering variety shows that featured top musical guests and innovative production values. Her golf tournament, now known as the ANA Inspiration, remains one of the LPGA's five major championships. Shore's smooth vocal style and hit recordings influenced generations of pop singers, and her television hosting style influenced countless future hosts. She is remembered as a versatile entertainer who successfully navigated the evolving entertainment industry while maintaining her distinctive charm and professionalism.
Who They Inspired
Shore influenced television hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres through her ability to connect with audiences while showcasing musical talent. Her success in transitioning between entertainment mediums inspired performers like Barbra Streisand and Dolly Parton. In the golf world, her tournament helped elevate women's professional golf to mainstream prominence. Her approachable yet sophisticated presentation style became a template for future entertainment programming, particularly in the variety show format that dominated early television.
Off Screen
Dinah Shore was married twice and had two children. She was known for her long-term relationship with actor Burt Reynolds in the 1970s, which was highly publicized despite their 20-year age difference. Shore was an avid golfer and founded the Colgate Dinah Shore Golf Tournament, which became one of the premier events in women's golf. She was also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in support of cancer research and children's charities.
Education
Attended Vanderbilt University (graduated 1938) with a degree in sociology
Family
- George Montgomery (1943-1958)
- Maurice F. Smith (1963-1979)
Did You Know?
- Born on Leap Day, February 29, 1916
- Was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority at Vanderbilt University
- Her first radio appearance was on the 'Wake Up and Dream' show in 1938
- Sold over 80 million records during her career
- The Dinah Shore Golf Tournament was the first LPGA event to offer a $1 million purse
- Had a famous 20-year age gap relationship with Burt Reynolds
- Was one of the first celebrities to endorse a major automobile brand (Chevrolet)
- Her television shows were among the first to be filmed in color
- Was a licensed pilot and flew her own plane
- Appeared on over 200 magazine covers throughout her career
In Their Own Words
See the USA in your Chevrolet
I'm a singer who happened to get into television
The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat
I've never been a child star. I've never been a teenage star. I've been a working woman all my life
You have to be true to yourself and what you believe in
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dinah Shore?
Dinah Shore was a legendary American singer, actress, and television personality who rose to fame in the 1940s and became one of television's pioneering female hosts. She sold over 80 million records and hosted successful variety shows for decades, making her one of the most beloved entertainers of the mid-20th century.
What films is Dinah Shore best known for?
Dinah Shore appeared in several musical films during the 1940s and 1950s, with her most notable being 'Till the Clouds Roll By' (1946), 'Belle of the Yukon' (1944), 'Up in Arms' (1944), and 'Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick' (1952). However, she was far more famous for her singing and television career than her film work.
When was Dinah Shore born and when did she die?
Dinah Shore was born Frances Rose Shore on February 29, 1916, in Winchester, Tennessee. She passed away on February 24, 1994, in Beverly Hills, California, just five days before what would have been her 78th birthday.
What awards did Dinah Shore win?
Dinah Shore won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for her television work, including Best Actress in a Musical Series (1956) and Outstanding Musical Contribution (1959). She also received the Peabody Award (1973), was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors (1992), and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1985.
What was Dinah Shore's singing style?
Dinah Shore was known for her smooth, warm vocal delivery and versatile singing style that spanned pop, jazz, and traditional pop genres. Her voice was characterized by its clarity, emotional expressiveness, and sophisticated phrasing, which made her one of the most successful recording artists of the 1940s and 1950s.
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Films
1 film
