Mildred Rinker was born in Tekoa (Washington). Bailey kept the last name Ted Bailey when she moved to Seattle to further her singing career. She became a well-known blues and jazz singer in the east with the support of Benny Stafford, her second husband. In 1925, she was hired by her brother Al Rinker and Harry Lillis “Bing”, Crosby. Crosby introduced Bailey to Paul Whiteman, and Bailey was grateful. From 1929 to 1933, she sang in Paul Whiteman’s group. She recorded in the 1930s with Red Norvo, her husband. They were a dynamic couple who earned the nicknames Mrs. and Mr. Swing.” She and her third husband, Red, would record together until 1945, despite her divorce. She was afflicted by depression and diabetes, and only a handful of recordings were made after the Second World War. Her diabetes was the main reason she died in Poughkeepsie (New York) of heart failure. Text contributed by users is available under Creative Commons By–SA License. It may also be available under GNU FDL.
