Knowra Martha Raye Martha Raye Martha Raye (1916–1994) was an American comedian, singer, and actress known for broad comic performances, musical roles, and extensive work entertaining U.S. troops.
The Big Broadcast of 1938 : A 1938 musical comedy film featuring W. C. Fields, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, and Martha Raye. One of Raye’s early film roles, including the song “The Five O’Clock Whistle.”
Bing Crosby : An American singer and actor whose relaxed vocal style influenced popular music and radio. Crosby and Raye appeared together in musical films, including The Big Broadcast of 1938.
Butte, Montana : A city in southwestern Montana established as a major center of copper mining. Raye was born in Butte, where her parents worked as vaudeville performers.
Presidential Medal of Freedom : The highest civilian honor awarded by the president of the United States. Raye received the medal in 1993 for her long service entertaining U.S. military personnel.
Four Jills in a Jeep : A 1944 musical comedy film about four entertainers touring U.S. military bases during World War II. Raye appeared as herself in this fictionalized account of wartime troop entertainment.
Bob Hope : An English-born American comedian and actor known for film, radio, television, and military performances. Hope shared film and wartime-entertainment contexts with Raye.
Vaudeville : A form of popular theater built from varied acts such as comedy, music, dance, and specialty performances. Raye grew up performing in the vaudeville circuit with her parents.
World War II : A global war fought from 1939 to 1945 between the Allied and Axis powers. Raye’s wartime appearances established a lasting association with entertaining American troops.
The Martha Raye Show : An American television variety program hosted by Martha Raye from 1954 to 1956. The series gave her a television platform for comedy and musical performance.
George Marshall (film director) : An American film director known for comedies, Westerns, and musicals. Marshall directed Raye in films including Never Say Die and The Big Broadcast of 1938.
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