Devvy Davenport

Daughter of a career military man, blond haired, green-eyed beauty, Devvy Davenport was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Being a "Air Force brat", she was variously educated in North Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas, New Jersey and New York. As a child Devvy had a natural aptitude for writing poetry and prose; composing songs and singing; and dancing, dramatics and comedy. One night, at age 15, working as a "camera girl" in a Louisville, Kentucky nightclub, when the scheduled entertainer took ill, Devvy stepped up to the stage to fill in, just like in a show business fairy tale! Later, friends arranged an introduction with Horace Heidt, of "Horace Heidt and His Musical Knights" at the Trianon Ballroom in Southern California. After an audition with the band leader, Heidt gave Devvy her first major break. Audiences just loved her. Her energy and talent seemed boundless. In the beginning, Devvy made most of her own costumes. She stayed on with Horace Heidt and his Musical Knights for about four years. Till the end Devvy always had a kind word concerning Horace's influence and remained grateful for his loving guidance. During WWII with the USO Devvy performed for our troops in Panama, Jamaica, Guatamala and throughout the U.S. Devvy sang, danced and wrote material for herself and other acts. In subsequent personal appearances through the years, she performed with Robert Alda, Milton Berle, Johnny Cash, Mike Conners (I), Tony Curtis, The Duncan Sisters, The Jordanaires, Tony Martin, Olsen and Johnson, Buck Owens, Mel Tormé and many others. In March of 1946, she entertained at the Havana-Madrid Hotel in New York City and witnessed Show Business history when singer Dean Martin and comic Jerry Lewis, who were booked separately, "heckled" each other's performances prior to their eventual partnership! Devvy's successful singing and dancing talent brought her to audiences all over the world. Also in 1946 Devvy moved to Hollywood, California and was named "Miss Copa Cabana" with one of the judges being Frank Sinatra! Modeling and print work also came in regularly for such a beauty as Devvy . She eventually made the transition to her roots, Country and Western music. The progression was a natural. In Hollywood, after meeting the legendary Nudie, "The Rhinestone Cowboy Tailor to the Stars" Devvy became "outfitted" in what was to become her lifetime show business look. She remained close friends to Nudie, his family and especially his granddaughter, Jamie Lee Nudie. It was around this time that Devvy released several Country & Western singles, the most favorite to her many fans being her own composition, "Big Cowboy" on the Hi-G Lo-C label. Another memorable title was, "Git Your Guitar and Git!". Devvy wrote hundreds of poems and songs. Her songs were recorded by Debbie Reynolds, the singing and piano duo Martha Davis and Spouse, and the The Andrews Sisters. Devvy's tune "No Deposit, No Return" by the The Andrews Sisters around 1952 for Decca Records gained Devvy the most notice. In the fifties Devvy appeared as the girl singer for one season on the Tex Williams' Western Varieties (1951) on KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles and on her own daily Western Music TV show on KCOP Channel 11 in which she co-wrote, co-produced and co-directed. Devvy Davenport appeared in several feature films, and for about a year, around 1950, was under contract to RKO Pictures under Howard Hughes. Devvy's films included Hometown Girl (1948), Hollywood Varieties (1950), Wild Women (1951) and others. The The French Line (1953) starred (2004 Silver Spur Award Winner) Jane Russell. Devvy was one of the "show models" in the film along with another young unknown starlet at the time, Kim Novak. In 1962, Devvy continued her acting career and believe it or not, was the 'runner up' for the Elly May Clampett role for the top 10 hit, _"The Beverly Hillbillies"_ which went to another blond beauty, 'Donna Douglas'. Also in 1963, Devvy started her own country music magazine. Titled "Country Music Report / Review", she wrote, edited and co-published and it became the #1 C&W publication in the United States and received special recognition in Nashville, Tennessee. "Country Music Report" took a different approach to covering country music for the fans, offering more than just song lyrics and short notes on the artists. And it was printed on a higher quality paper stock that stands up to the test of time even some forty plus years later. As she developed the magazine, her famous contacts became more than just professional courtesy; she was able to consider such super stars as Johnny Cash and 'Marty Robbins' good friends too. Her personal editorial column was entitled, "Under My Hat" which bannered a close-up photo of Devvy wearing a cute little straw hat, ala Minnie Pearl. Many C&W newcomers to the West Coast scene were profiled by Devvy long before they made it big! In the 1960's at one of Johnny Cash's concerts, Johnny reprinted copies of Devvy's magazine and passed them out to the audience. He even gave the magazine a plug from the stage and recommended everyone to subscribe. Since her magazine was mail order only, such an endorsement became invaluable. In 1966 Devvy was one of the first performers to entertain our troops in South Viet Nam. Early in the war, she gave a show within 6 miles of the de-militarized zone (DMZ)! Her visit was no quick tour; she stayed and entertained the troops for over a year, traveling the country with the USO. While "in country" she also assumed the duties of Entertainment Editor of the Saigon Daily Times. She also traveled to other Far East countries to perform including Japan, Thailand, and the Phillipines. While in Thailand she operated a dance and drama school in Bangkok (and later in Rome, Italy). Her performing partner at this time was Gene Roman and their act was known as "The Love Bugs". On a sad note, her younger brother, who was in the armed forces was killed-in-action while Devvy was in the Far East. For her exemplary service and devotion to our fighting forces, Devvy was awarded the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel by the United States Air Force. In later years, ever creative, Devvy made custom jewelry for retail sales, wrote children's stories for publication and donated time to charity. Devvy's volunteer work is legendary. As a faithful member of the Hollywood D.O.L.L.S. and the Reel Cowboys her dedication and energy to serve others was amazing. Devvy, who passed away on May 18, 2007, due to complications from Alzheimer Disease and is survived by two sons, Biff, who was also "in the business" and Dru.