Early Life and Career Beginnings Born: Martha Jane Lafferty, April 23, 1921, in Altoona, Pennsylvania Died: February 19, 2007 (aged 85) Early musical talent: Sang in the church choir and received encouragement from musically inclined parents. Began professional singing career as a featured vocalist with Hal Kemp's band at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles. Married pianist Lou Busch, who was also an arranger for Kemp’s band; this relationship significantly influenced her early career trajectory. Film and Stage Career Early Film Roles (1941-1942): Appeared in films like Three Gi…