Betty Jane Rhodes

Betty Jane Rhodes (April 21, 1921 – December 27, 2011) was an American actress and singer, most active in film during the late 1930s and the World War II era. She was also known as Jane Rhodes.

Early years Rhodes was born in Rockford, Illinois on April 21, 1921. She began her broadcasting career when she was just eight years old.

Paramount Pictures signed Rhodes to her first film contract as an actress at age 15. The Arizona Raiders. The six-year contract called for payments of $1,000 per week.

Rhodes was widely known to wartime movie audiences for her debut performance of the classic song, "I Don't Want To Walk Without You", in the 1942 film Sweater Girl. When she was 12, she sang on The Laff Clinic on KHJ in Los Angeles and joined in the program's comedy elements. She also performed on several variety programs on KHJ. In 1934, she joined the staff of KFWB, also in Los Angeles. By August 14, 1934, she was top-billed on KWFB's Jubilee music and comedy program. In the summer of 1936, she sang on a program featuring Johnny Green and his orchestra. She had her own weekly show Saturday nights on NBC during the 1950s. She portrayed Betty, the singer at Parky's restaurant.

Nightclub Rhodes sang at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles when she was 14.

Recording In its December 16, 1946 issue, Cashbox designated Rhodes' "You'll Always Be The One I Love" as "Sleeper of the Week". Charles Dant's orchestra accompanied Rhodes on the recording, which Cashbox said "has that trick of making you want to sit down and play the thing time and again."

Personal life In 1945, Rhodes married Willet Brown, co-founder of the Mutual Broadcasting System.

Death Rhodes died December 27, 2011 at the age of 90.

Selected filmography