King Sisters

The King Sisters were more than just a vocal group; they were musical trailblazers who defined the sound of swing and big band era entertainment. Comprised of six sisters - Alyce, Donna, Luise, Marilyn, Maxine, and Yvonne King - this remarkable ensemble carved out a unique place in American musical history, transitioning seamlessly from radio to film and television.

Family Roots and Musical Beginnings

Born into the Driggs family in Salt Lake City, the King Sisters emerged from a rich musical heritage. Their father, William King Driggs, supported their early musical aspirations. Their first professional breakthrough came with a local Salt Lake City radio station, from which they quickly graduated to an Oakland, California station. In the early 1930s, sisters Luise, Maxine, and Alyce formed a vocal trio inspired by the legendary Boswell Sisters. They traveled to San Francisco to audition for a radio station, hoping to replace the Boswell Sisters themselves. After Maxine retired to home life, Donna and Yvonne joined the group, completing their classic lineup.

Rise to Radio Prominence

The sisters' big break came in 1935 when they accepted a job with bandleader Horace Heidt. Their relationship with Heidt was dynamic, with the sisters leaving and rejoining his band multiple times. During this period, they sang with various prominent radio programs, including the Old Gold program and series by Al Pearce. In 1937, a significant personal and professional milestone occurred when Luise married Alvino Rey, Heidt's guitarist. Rey subsequently formed his own band, and the King Sisters became his resident vocalists. This partnership would prove crucial to their continued success.

Hollywood and Broader Entertainment

The group's popularity expanded beyond radio. Known as The Four King Sisters - Yvonne, Luise, Alyce, and Donna - they made their film debut in the 1939 musical and appeared in numerous Hollywood productions throughout the 1940s. They were featured in feature-length films, short musicals, and even three-minute musical films for coin-operated jukeboxes. Their radio presence remained strong during World War II, and they regularly appeared on various programs. In a fascinating career pivot, they joined Gene Autry's radio series in late 1953 as the "Gene Autry Blue Jeans," continuing until the program's end in 1956.

Legacy and Later Years

The King Sisters' musical legacy continued into television. In 1965, they began hosting their own TV series, which featured family members and ran until 1966, with a revival in 1969. The musical torch was passed to the next generation, with the King Family carrying on their musical tradition. By the early 2000s, all six sisters had passed away, with Marilyn King being the last surviving sister, dying in 2013. Their musical impact, however, remains significant, with numerous hit singles and albums documenting their remarkable career.

Works and Appearances

Radio

• Horace Heidt's Orchestra (1935-1937)
• Old Gold Program
• Al Pearce Series
• Gene Autry Blue Jeans (1953-1956)

Film

• Untitled Musical (1939)
• Various short and feature-length musical films (1940s)

Television

• The King Family Show (1965-1966, 1969 revival)

Notable Hit Singles

• "Hot Lips" (1937)
• "The Hut-Sut Song" (1941)
• "I Said No!" (1942)
• "Mairzy Doats" (1944)

The King Sisters exemplified the collaborative spirit and musical innovation of mid-20th century American entertainment, bridging radio, film, and television with their distinctive harmonies and familial charm.