Doris Day

Doris Day was born into a middle-class family in Evanston, a suburb of Cincinnati. Her parents, both of German descent, were first-generation Americans. Her father, Frederick Wilhelm (William), was a music teacher specializing in piano and violin. He also served as an organist and choral master at St. Mark's Catholic Church. Doris' mother, Alma Sophia Welz, shared a love for country and western music and later worked in the family bakery.

At 15, a devastating car accident shattered Doris' leg, abruptly ending her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Confined to bed for 14 months, she found solace in listening to Ella Fitzgerald's music. This period of enforced rest ignited her passion for singing. Recognizing her talent, Doris's voice coach, Grace Raine, offered her three lessons a week for the price of one, believing in her potential even during her early years.

Between 1960 and 1964, Doris Day was the top box-office star in America four times, a feat achieved by only one other actress, Shirley Temple.