On Fridays we post something on social media that is either a Fact or is Fiction. People can comment which they think it is before coming here for the correct answer. Here is Friday Fact or Fiction #29!
Today’s Post: A Grove City native was the lead singer for a group that had the first-ever “gold record” with over one million copies sold for the song Chattanooga Choo-Choo.
Answer: FACT! Paula Kelly was born in Grove City, PA on April 6, 1919. Her father was a successful dentist and the family lived at the corner of Poplar and Stewart Streets. Paula first began her singing career with her two sisters as The Kelly Sisters. Later, after going solo, Paula’s career included singing with several orchestras in the Big Band Era. She eventually joined Glenn Miller’s Orchestra. While with the orchestra, she began singing lead for the group, the Modernaires. On May 7, 1941, they recorded the song Chattanooga Choo-Choo. That song was the first-ever “gold record” with over one million copies sold. The song was also featured in the movie Sun Valley Serenade with Paula Kelly and the Modernaires appearing in the film singing the song.
The Modernaires went on to record with and have hits with Frank Sinatra. Paula Kelly remained lead singer for the group until 1978. At that time, her daughter replaced her as lead singer. Her daughter was also named Paula Kelly (Junior) and was also born in Grove City, PA.