" data-original-title="" title="">Jo Stafford was America's most popular female singer, eventually matched only by Ella Fitzgerald. The maternal warmth of Stafford's voice, her soulful tones and her relaxed sense of swing made her a favorite of white and black audiences. With the advent of TV in the 1950s, Stafford was given a live show in 1954 and her grace and take-charge charm easily won over audiences.

After listening yesterday to my favorite Stafford album,?Swingin' Down Broadway (1958), I decided to nose around at YouTube to share the joy with you.

Here's Stafford with the Pied Pipers, circa 1944...



Here's Stafford singing Tomorrow Mountain, with a Paul Weston arrangement...



Here's Stafford with Patti Page in 1958...



Here's Stafford on her 1961 British show, with Weston arrangements (watch for the three-camera turns on Lullaby of Rhythm)...