Dinah Shore
A voice that charmed a nation, she became television's sunny companion and broke ground as a female solo star in the big band era.
1917–1994 (age 77)·American singer and actress·Birthday: March 1·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Dinah Shore's journey from a Tennessee childhood to national fame was a story of persistence and warmth. After early rejections from major bands, she carved her own path, her smooth contralto and girl-next-door charm making her one of the first massively successful solo singers of the 1940s, with hits like "Buttons and Bows." But it was on the new medium of television where she truly became a household fixture. Her daytime variety shows, famously sponsored by Chevrolet, felt like a visit with a cheerful, sophisticated friend, blending music, conversation, and comedy. She won multiple Emmys and, with her signature sign-off kiss, represented a comforting, optimistic presence in American living rooms for decades, later finding success as a talk show host and advocate for women's golf.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Dinah was born in 1917, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dinah Was Born
The biggest hits of 1917
#1 Movie
Cleopatra
Dinah's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1917Born
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Started school
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1930Became a teenager
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Could drive
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1935Could vote
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Turned 21
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1947Turned 30
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 40
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 50
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 60
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 70
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1994Died at 77
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
Key Achievements
- Became the first major female solo singing star to emerge from the big band era with a string of over 80 charted popular hits.
- Hosted the long-running and top-rated 'The Dinah Shore Chevy Show,' a primetime variety program that won multiple Emmy Awards.
- Pioneered the successful daytime talk-variety format with programs like 'Dinah's Place,' earning another Emmy.
- Was among the first women to front a major, long-term television program named for herself and sponsored by a national automobile company.
- Inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame for her enduring impact on the medium.
Did You Know?
The phrase "See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet," sung by Shore in the commercials, became one of the most famous advertising jingles in history.
She was an accomplished amateur golfer who later hosted a major LPGA tournament, the Colgate-Dinah Shore Winner's Circle.
Her real first name was Frances; 'Dinah' came from the song "Dinah" she performed with her college band.
She was the first female star to get a contract with a television network (NBC) that allowed her to form her own production company.
She turned down an opportunity to replace Johnny Carson as host of 'The Tonight Show' in the early 1960s.
“I think television is the greatest invention. It brings people together, and it brings the world into your home.”
