Siempre recordaré tu voz y lo bien que me hacía sentir espiritualmente al escucharla, especialmente en la época del Big Band. Descansa en paz. Guayaquil - Ecuador

Strangest thing:just realized that Jo came vividly to mind just after her birthday. Playing "You Belong To Me" on guitar and voice for her main demographic recently, it seemed desirable to obtain some of her recorded music, conspicuously wanting. ...went bananas and got mp3s of everything most craved: "This Time" "All Our Own" (Superlative, exquisite!) Select cuts from "Autumn in NY" "If (They Made Me a Queen)" "You Belong to Me" "Teach Me Tonight" "It Is No Secret" Albums: "Happy Holiday/I Love Winter Weather" ("Moonlight in Vermont"...oh dear Lord!) "Once Over Lightly" "I'll Be Seeing You" That voice. The ideal manifestation of the feminine aspect of music. Tears and near-out-of-body experience at points. A childhood favorite; mom's vinyls through a Columbia portable (? it was GIANT) phonograph enriched many a Sunday afternoon. Blessed Elliot Bliss

I came to appreciate Jo long after her prime time when I heard her version of "Long Ago and Far Away" as background music for some show on television. I had to find that beautiful,pure,warm voice and, happily, I was successful and went on to purchase several of her albums. Fame,even when it's richly deserved as in her case,is fleeting- I can only hope that someone does a movie about her sometime and her voice will then be introduced to a new generation. If not, I hope I make it to heaven because I'm sure she can be heard there. Peace,Jo. John Aughinbaugh

I remember hearing Jo on the radio, short wave, of course, in India. Our family did not have a record player or any equipment to play records or listen to tapes. But we had a radio, and listened to the then 'Binaca Hit Parade', which was aired over by the only English station that we could hear on our short wave radio, Radio Ceylon, then broadcasting from the island of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka. Being a Seventh Day Adventist, somebody told me that Jo was an SDA, but gave up that form of religion to become a singing star. I don't know if that is true. However, I still listen to her voice over the CDs that I have bought, especially the one that she sings the religious songs with Gordon MacCray, the best duet combination I have ever heard. She was the best voice that ever performed, regardless of religious or secular music.

Jo Stafford became my favorite singer in the early 1940's and is still my favoirite in 2010. Next to my wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her voice has been the love of my life. I'm now 79 and it is my sincere and selfish wish that I will be blessed with at least a few more years of listening to Jo's beautiful recordings.

A beautifully natural talent with an incredibly smooth voice for the ages. The best of her day & still unforgettable today. RIP Jo

I was about 8 years old when I first heard Jo. My favorite song was "You Belong To Me". That song inspired me to travel all over the world when I became an adult. I miss her very beautiful voice.

I was born in 37, and heard her beautiful voice coming out of many radios and loudspeakers in the 40s, 50, and 60s. I have a big collection of her CDs and those of the Pied Pipers. She was so special. She will always be my favorite pop singer and one of my favorite musician singers, period, in any genre. Oh, that "Haunted heart," and "In the Still of the Night" !!!!! God Bless Jo Stafford.

My first encounter with Jo's wonderful voice was in the 1980's, when as a teenager, I listened to a big band station in Eugene, Oregon. They would play "No Other Love" and I fell in love with her voice, her impeccable tone and control. I sought her music for years, until just recently, I was able to purchase a collection of her work. I still love to listen to her. Bless her and her wonderful talent. She is sorely missed.

They had an old fashion record player on the Destroyer,USS Buck that I was assigned to from '51 to '53. Her singing of "You belong to me" was among the most played. Almost 60 years ago. WOW, am I getting old!

They had an old fashion record player on the Destroyer,USS Buck that I was assigned to from '51 to '53. Her singing of "You belong to me" was among the most played. Almost 60 years ago. WOW, am I getting old!

i'm 48 yrs old. i remember that beautiful voice coming from ma's radio as i ate breakfast.........along with the smell of coffee brewing, it brings back so many memories..

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the "houshe", is one of my fondest childhood memories. Since I was a small child, my father played Jo Stafford's Happy Holidays record. I had many happy hours listening to her and her little boy chiming in on the Night before Christmas. I'm 48 years old and I still love to listen to the updated release that her son put out in 2000 on CD. Thank you for sharing your silky, velvety voice with us. Rest in Peace. I know I'll hear you sing in heaven one day too!

I have been a fan Joe forever and ever. I once wote her a fan letter and she took the time to answer me with a handwritten note. Besides her haunting voice she was one of the rare few who was not captured by celebrity status or the glitzy world. I have a massive collection of her CDs and love every one of them. She and Gordon McRae made some duet! God bless Joe Stafford.

I met Jo Stafford in the flesh when she was on a Columbia records promo trip for "Make Love to Me", I met her in a record store and for years I have cherished the now worn 45 rpm record and her signature on the jacket. Over the years I have acquired a good collection of her works on DVD. She to me was the same in a person to person situation as she was as an entertainer, an easy going music perfectionist and although she is practically forgotten by the public she will always have a willing listening ear from me. Richard in NH.

Many young men were drafted to the armed services during the 1950s and served overseas in areas of conflict like Korea and Malaya at that time. Jo Stafford had the ability to touch each of us with her voice, reminding us of home and loved ones awaiting our safe return. "You Belong To Me" is a typical song back then as was "Faraway Places". She was a giant on the music scene and will be sadly missed. Thank goodness I have many tracks of her music so that although she has gone on to a better place, her voice remains in this world. God bless and Rest in Peace. Aqueenslander ex Royal Air Force 1953-1961

BETTY HOLLIDAY WHEN I MARRIED MY HUSBAND DON IN THE 50S,HE INTRODUCED ME TO JO AND I HAVE BEEN A FAN EVERY SINCE THEN..SHE HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE...EVERY TIME II SEE SOMETHING ABOUT HER I IMAKE SURE HE SEES IT ..ALSO HE HAS EVERY RECORD AND CD SHE .HAS RECORDED. BETTY HOLLLDAY AGE 76

I remember Jo and the Pied Pipers, and Iove them both. One of my favorites by Jo is Early Autumn. I found it on a juke box in Beaver Falls; Pa when I worked there in the early l950's. The customers in the restaurant where I ate must have thought that I had some kind of an obsession with Jo Stafford, given the many times that I would play the song. The career of Jo Stafford is amazing. Her voice is so distinctive and so evocative of my memories of the '40's and '50's. Thank God for a talent such as hers. George Pease, age 75.

Marilyn

14 years ago

My favorite Jo Stafford song is "Haunted Heart". Does anyone remember that beautiful love song? Such great lyrics. Most of the singers from the past are gone now. The only ones left are Doris Day, Keely Smith and Tony Bennett. (Margaret Whiting?) Too bad the good music with real musicians and good vocalists will never return. I feel fortunate that I lived during that era.

The Stafford Sisters and the Sons of the Pioneers shared the stage many times in the late 1930s and even planned a radio series together. Their voices blended beautifully and they planned to call themselves "The Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers". Unfortunately, only the pilot show remains. I have been working with Bob Nolan's grandson, archiving Bob's work and writing his biography which includes the Stafford Sisters. I interviewed Jo twice by telephone and she phoned me once in 2001. Her memory of those early years was perfect and she graciously gave of her time to add so many details for us. Her beautiful speaking voice was the same one we heard on all her great recordings. Since those intervews 8 years ago, I have been a loyal fan of her music. We gave her a page on our Bob Nolan website: http://bobnolan-sop.net/Recollections/Jo%20Stafford/Jo%20Stafford.htm I'm so glad I had even this small contact with her. Elizabeth www.bobnolan-sop.net

Jo maybe be gone but she's not forgotten.God bless Jo Stafford and Paul Weston.

I'm 64 years old and remember enjoying and being fascinated by all the beautiful songs of the 1950's on the radio. When I heard them again over the years, I was immediately taken back to that time in my life and what I was doing when I had heard the music the first time(s). That's such a positive and beautiful thing that music from that era does for us--was probably intended to do. Thank you Jo Stafford for choosing and living your life and your work so effectively. We are the beneficiaries-whether the established admirer of your work or the new listener with a good ear who says "Wow!--I hadn't heard of her before." Sincere condolences to your family on your passing. But I'm more moved to say that we all can celebrate a life truly well-lived and shared with so many of us.

Just saw it on the grammys.........50's my hit parade........didn't know she had the long career.................just a comedy grammy ?

I'm a late comer to the Jo Stafford memory. About two years ago I started listening to her songs. I was sold on the spot. I was especially fond of her duets with other performers.

Jo was in her early twenties when I was born which meant that my teenage years were those when she was at the top of the music world on both sides of the Atlantic. Early Radio Luxembourg presentations of her 'Time for a Song' programmes were not to be missed on Sunday evenings and the Top 20 which followed later was invariably blessed with her voice. I still feel a sadness when I listen to her version of 'Thank You For Calling' with that wistful trumpet of Mitch Miller. A title which says it all for me. I met and knew Guy Mitchell in the 60's and my greatest regret was that Guy recorded with Doris Day, Rosie Clooney, Teresa Brewer and Mindy Carson, but never with Jo - now that would have been something as they both had the same slightly wicked sense of humour. My formative teenage years owe much to Jo and her compatriots. I will keep playing her music and hope that she will remain alive through that for many years to come.

When I was a kid, my Mom & Dad gave all of us the gift of music, on the radio and by singing themselves. I was weaned on all types of music, but early on, I liked country & western even though I remembered and enjoyed big band and the crooners (Tommy Dorsey's "I'll Never Smile Again" with Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers with Jo Stafford.) When in high school, Jo Stafford came out with "You Belong To Me" a song originally by Pee Wee King & Red Stewart who wrote the song. Then Hank Williams Sr.'s "Jambalaya". Jo Stafford could sing any type of song and make it hers, largely due the arrangements of Paul Weston. What a team. I became a disc-jocky at the age of nineteen and grew up from big bands and crooners, through rock & roll and every format into the 90's. The last 15yrs I was with country radio and would always find a way to insert a Jo Stafford country song into my music mix. I'm in my 70's now and my kids made sure I knew how to function with an ipod. I've got all kinds of music on it including latin and hawaiian and music through the years, but the one's I play mostly are the Jo Stafford hits, and when I hear the marimba on the intro to "You Belong To Me" come on, I frequently hit repeat at the end. My all time favorite song, sung by my all time favorite singer. Today is Nov 7, 2008 and I just found out about Jo Stafford's passing a few days ago. I was of course saddened but so glad that she and her husband Paul Weston gave us the enormous amount of great music to listen to forever. Jack Fox

They say nobody really ever dies whilst someone somewhere remembers them. Jo was a star when that word had some real meaning. With the state the world is in right now, we need another Jo Stafford urgently to bring back a little light into people's lives-but, as we all know, there'll only ever be one Jo Stafford. She was part of my growing up and will always be with me. Vale Jo

no other love,you belong to me-and many more-even in germany we are very sad.jo had the voice of an angel.we miss her holger and brigitte wendlandt

I first encountered Jo Stafford when I was rifling through my father's 78s, looking for Spike Jones records, when I came across a title, "The Gentleman is a Dope". As a pre-adolescent, the title intrigued me, and when I listened to it, I was surprised to find myself liking a song that didn't have cowbells or gunshots. Years later, I bought a Rockola Jukebox, and needed to find 78s to fill it with, and started hitting all the thrift shops looking for music from the 40s. I remembered the name Jo Stafford, and was amazed at the quantity of titles I kept finding. How come I had never heard of this person? Soon after that I came across some of her Hillbilly songs, and was surprised that someone with such a striking voice would also do these wacky records (and still perform them beautifully). Finally I lucked out one day and found a complete Jo Stafford album (back when albums really were albums), and on the way home in my car, who should be on NPR's "All Things Considered", but Jo and Paul, talking about their newly released "Jonathan and Darlene Edwards" single. "That's Jo Stafford?!", I literally said out loud. "She's Darlene Edwards?" Some people talk about a singer's octave range, I was struck by Jo's "material" range. As an old Spike Jones fan, I could appreciate both the sublime and the ridiculous, and I appreciated, in both senses of the word, the music Jo had made over the years. I've always loved people who are so good, so sure of their talent, so comfortable with themselves, that they can break the mold and be silly without worrying about "damaging" their reputation. As years went by, I gathered up more Jo Stafford singles, and read histories of popular music and the great singers, and came to realise how highly regarded she was by all her peers; my only question was, "Why did most people now seem to not know her?" Because people are stupid, basically. I'm glad I was able to find out about her, even if by accident. Her breathtaking voice has brought tears to my eyes many times; sometimes from emotion, sometime from laughing. Finally, I recently found out she was born in Coalinga; as a Fresno boy, I like to think that on top of everything else, she was a San Joaquin Valley Girl. My condolences to her family. God Bless You. Brad Hansen bradhansen@cbsfresno.com

My deepest sympathy to Tim and Amy. I first heard Jo Stafford in London, Harrods, I was 16. Since that time, 1949, I have listened to every record I could find. I rushed to the Palladium for her show, and managed to obtain a seat in row 4. My collection increases daily. There has never been such a voice, and I do not think there ever will be again. Jo Stafford has given so much pleasure to so many. She will be missed. America's great lady of song. Nigel Bailey, aged 75

Remembered my Mom and Dad dancing to "You belong to me" in the fifties in London every time it came on the radio......it was like it was their song.....didn't matter what they were doing or who was around everything was dropped when that beautiful voice filled our living room and they slowly danced around with mom's head on dad's shoulder....I suppose it was those memories made me an early fan of Jo's I don't know why but I find it really hard to listen to "Shenandoah" without getting a bit teary eyed....akin to listening to an Angel singing to you. Just this evening I found out about her passing..... The world is a little darker now. God Bless you, Jo,and thank you so much for all the joy and happiness you created.

Amy, I'm glad to have found you here. Some days ago, I spotted your brother's myspace page and was able to say something to him. I send to you my deepest sympathy. Your mother is my greatest musical influence. The music of Jo Stafford changed my life. Back in 1995, I wrote to your mom to express my admiration for her work; I received a very gracious reply, which I had framed. July 18, when I learned, through an email from a friend, about your mother, I did as I always do in times of sadness: I listened to my favorite singer. I played first "Temple of an Understanding Heart" and then "Love is Here to Stay." These last two weeks, I have listened exclusively to Jo Stafford music; too, over this period, I devoted my blog, in which I have spoken many times about your mom, entirely to a tribute. If you would care to look at this, here is the address of the first installment: http://relativeesoterica.blogspot.com/2008/07/who-is-that.html Those subsequent may be found at the site. I believe I present something different from that which I have encountered elsewhere through the years. Thank you for sharing, with us here, something about your mom. Best regards, Elizabeth Reese

WHEN I WAS A YOUNG TEENAGER, I WOULD STAND IN FRONT OF A LARGE MIRROR IN OUR LIVINGROOM, A BRUSH IN MY HAND (MY MIKE) JO STAFFORD'S RECORD OF "YOU BELONG TO ME" PLAYING IN THE BACKROUND. BOY I WOULD BE LIP SYNCING MY HEART OUT. I REALLY LOVED HER MUSIC. WELL ALL I CAN SAY IS, MOVE OVER PATSY, JO HAS JOINED THE HEAVENLY CHOIR NOW. LOVE AND PRAYERS TO JO'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. LOVE, HARRIETTE STAMPS AND FAMILY

Amy and Tim, I am in my fifties, so I grew up in the rock and roll era; and love my rock, but I also love the old standards and now have FM radio with a forties station. I listen to it all the time, if it's turned down and I see your Mom's name, I turn it up; I knew nothing of her a couple of years ago, but she is now one of my all time favorite singers from that era. But to you she was Mom, I think the greatest thing about her was that her career wasn't everything, family was, and that is why she had such a wonderful long life.

Bon voyage Jo Stafford... Les années Columbia me rappelleront toujours ta belle voix: I walked "On London Bridge" last night. Merci. Jack, Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada

Dear Amy and Tim--Your mom was truly the greatest voice of the Greatest Generation. While I was looking at blogs in her memory, I saw one with a photo of her singing into a Voice of America radio microphone. I thought, "How appropriate--Jo Stafford really WAS the Voice of America!" Now she's with your dad, and I hope they're making great music for everyone in Heaven...along with a little fun from Jonathan and Darlene Edwards as well! Rest in peace, great lady with the great voice!

Our world is a better place because of that voice.

15 years ago

...A much better place! Wonder if some of her songs with Tommy Dorsey, and the Pied Pipers will be more available now???

15 years ago

She was the best! Where can I find CDs of when she sang with Tommy Dorsey?

I am a younger fan at 34, but Jo Stafford has been my favorite singer for decades now. Her voice had such perfect pitch, and every recording she made worth listening to. I want to express my sympathy to her children and to the whole world who will miss her around. I just created a 90 minute audio tape tribute to this wonderful woman. Please e-mail me if you'd like a copy: lobosco107@comcast.net With prayers and sympathy, David Lobosco

From when I first heard "Around The Corner" as a little boy, to right now, listening to "Tomorrow Mountain", Jo is simply the best female singer of all time.---Gary P