Childhood and rise to success
Born to Solomon and Anna Stein Shore, Jewish immigrants from Russia, she lived in Winchester, Tennessee. When she was two years old, she was stricken with polio (infantile paralysis), a disease that was not handled well at the time. Thankfully, her parents cared enough to provide intensive care for her, and she recovered and overcame the disease. However, she suffered from having a slightly deformed foot and limp, which did not physically impede her. She performed at a night club when she was only 14 years old.
When her mother died unexpectedly of a heart attack, Dinah went to Vanderbilt University, where she participated in many events and activities. She graduated from the university in 1938. She decided to get back into pursuing her career in singing, so she went to New York to audition for orchestras and radio stations. In many of her auditions, she sang the popular song "Dinah." When disc jockey Martin Block could not remember her name, he called her the "Dinah girl," and soon after the name stuck, becoming her stage name. She eventually was hired as a vocalist at radio station WNEW, where she sang with Frank Sinatra. She also recorded and performed with the Xavier Cugat orchestra. Eventually, she got her recording contract with RCA Victor records in 1940.
Career in the 1940s and 1950s
While recording on RCA Victor's Bluebird label, she released her first recording, "Yes, My Darling Daughter" and it became a major hit for her. Dinah's singing came to the attention of Eddie Cantor, and he signed her as a regular on his popular radio show, "Time to Smile", in 1940. Dinah credits him for teaching her self-confidence, comedic timing and the ways of connecting with an audience.
She was a featured vocalist on The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street and soon became a successful radio and music star with her own radio show in 1943, "Call to Music". Also in 1943, she appeared in her first movie, "Thank Your Lucky Stars". The movie starred Eddie Cantor, and she soon went to another radio show, "Paul Whiteman Presents". During this time, America had been actively involved in World War 2 and Dinah became a popular favorite with the troops, similar to the popularity of Bing Crosby. She was having major record hits, like "I will Walk Alone" and "Blues In the Night", one of her first of many number-one hits to come. To support the troops overseas, who adored her singing, she participated in USO tours to Europe. She met a young actor ready to go into military service named George Montgomery. They married on December 3, 1943. Despite their marriage, Montgomery soon went into service. When he returned from the service, they settled in San Fernando, California. In 1948, their first child was born, a daughter named Messina, and they also adopted a son in 1954 named John David and then moved to Beverly Hills.
Dinah continued appearing in radio shows throughout the 1940s. She performed in radio shows like "Birds Eye-Open House" and "Ford Radio Show". One of her most popular recordings was "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Buddy Clark. The song was covered by many other artists, Ella Fitzgerald for example. Other hits followed this success like "Buttons and Bows" and "The Gypsy". She was a regular with Jack Smith on his radio show on CBS, which ran for 15 minutes. She went into many more movies. As an actress, Shore appeared in many musical films, such as "Belle of the Yukon" and "Up in Arms" (both in 1944), and "Till the Clouds Roll By" (1946). She was also featured in numerous TV movies and series. She lent her musical voice to two Disney films: "Make Mine Music" (1946) and "Fun and Fancy Free" (1947). In early 1946, she moved to another label, Columbia Records. In 1950 she made her television show debut on "The Ed Wynn Show" and also made a guest appearance on Bob Hope's first television show. After being on many other people's television shows, she got her own, "The Dinah Shore Show" in 1951. She did two fifteen minute shows a week for NBC. She won her first Emmy for the show in 1955. The show was sponsored by Chevrolet automobiles. The sponsor's theme song ("See the USA in your Chevrolet") became the singer's signature piece. She continued to appear in Chevrolet advertising through the 1950s.
Later career
From 1970 through 1980, Shore hosted two daytime programs, "Dinah's Place" (1970-1974) on NBC and "Dinah!" (later "Dinah and Friends") in syndication from 1974 through 1980. On her show "Dinah!", she once had the misfortune of interviewing the comedian Andy Kaufman in his Tony Clifton guise. He took deliberate offense at her questions and eventually tipped a pan of eggs over her head. This happened live on the air in front of a huge TV audience and Shore's producers cut to an impromptu commercial as Kaufman was escorted out of the studio.
TV screenshot image
Shore, with her Dixie drawl and demure manner, was always identified with the South, and guests on her shows often commented on it.
Shore won nine Emmys, a Peabody Award and a Golden Globe.
Shore guest starred on "Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special", calling Pee-wee on his picturephone and singing "The 12 Days of Christmas". Throughout the special, Pee-wee walks past the picture phone, only to hear her going past the original 12 days ("...on the 500th day of Christmas...")
Personal life
Shore was married to actor George Montgomery from 1943 to 1962 and had a daughter, Melissa Ann (known today as Melissa Montgomery-Hime, executor of the Dinah Shore Trust and the owner of the rights to most of Shore's television series). Shore later adopted a son, John David 'Jody' Montgomery. After her divorce from Montgomery, she briefly married Maurice Smith. In the early 1970s, Shore had a long and happy public romance with actor Burt Reynolds, who was 20 years her junior. The relationship gave Shore an updated, sexy image, and took some of the pressure off Reynolds in maintaining his image as a ladies' man.
Death and legacy
Dinah Shore died in Beverly Hills, California of ovarian cancer at age 77 (5 days before her 78th birthday). Her ashes were divided and she has two burial sites. Half were interred in the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California and the other half interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery (Cathedral City) near her beloved second home in Palm Springs, California.
Shore's legacy resonates posthumously, with a 1998 album featuring the arrangement skills of Andre Previn combined with the re-releasing of some of her classic recordings like 'April in Paris', and 'My Funny Valentine', garnering moderate success.
"Murder" He Says
Dinah Shore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Almost completely divine
But his vocabulary
Is killin' this romance of mine
We get into an intimate situation
And then begins this Romeo's conversation
He says, "Murder," he says
He says, "Murder," he says
At a time like this
He says, "Murder," he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, "Solid," he says
Takes me in his arms
And says, "Solid," he says
Meanin' all my charms
He says, "Solid," he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, "Chick, chick, you torture me
Zoot! Are we livin'?"
I'm thinkin' o' leavin' him flat
He says, "Dig, dig, the jumps the old
Ticker is givin'"
Now, he can talk plainer than that
He says, "Murder,"' he says
Ev'ry time we kiss
He says, "Murder," he says
Keep it up like this
And that's, "Murder," he says
In that impossible tone
It will bring on nobody's murder but his own
He says, "Jackson," he says
And my name's Marie
He says, "Jackson," he says
'Shoot the snoot to me'
He says, "Jackson," he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, "Woof, woof," he says
When he likes my hat
He says, "Tsk, tsk," he says
What the heck is that?
He says, "Wooh, wooh," he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, "Hep, hep, with helium
Now babe, we're cookin'"
And other expressions to wit
He says, "We're in da groove
And da groove is good lookin'"
He sounds like his uppers don't fit
He says, "Murder"
He says, "Murder"
And the way he says, "Murder"
In that impossible tone
I've told him over and over and over again
That it'll be nobody else's murder but his own
In Dinah Shore's song "Murder" He Says, the singer is in a romantic relationship with a man who has an unusual way of expressing himself. He is almost divine, but his vocabulary is negatively affecting their romance. Every time they kiss, he says "murder," which is not exactly the language of love. He also uses words such as "solid," "chick," "Jackson," and "woof woof" in ways that don't make sense to her. Even as she tries to leave him, he persists with his odd speech, saying "we're in da groove and da groove is good lookin'." Despite her efforts to communicate her dissatisfaction with his manner of speaking, he continues to say "Murder" in an "impossible tone" that is sure to bring about the demise of their relationship.
The song is a clever and creative reflection on the ways that words can pull people together or push them apart in a relationship. The man's strange way of speaking represents a form of miscommunication that undermines what could be an otherwise promising romance. The singer is frustrated by her inability to connect with him, and the repeated use of "murder" functions as a symbol of their doomed relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Finally found a fella
After searching for a long time, I have finally found a man.
Almost completely divine
He is almost perfect in every way.
But his vocabulary
However, the words he uses are causing problems in our relationship.
Is killin' this romance of mine
His words are ruining our romantic moments together.
We get into an intimate situation
When we become close together physically,
And then begins this Romeo's conversation
He starts speaking in a way that is supposed to be romantic.
He says, "Murder," he says
Every time we kiss, he says "Murder," like it's romantic.
Ev'ry time we kiss
Whenever we share a kiss.
At a time like this
During a moment like this, when we are intimate.
Is that the language of love?
Is this really what is considered to be romantic?
He says, "Solid," he says
When he holds me close, he says "Solid," as if that's supposed to be endearing.
Meanin' all my charms
Meaning that he likes me and finds me attractive.
He says, "Chick, chick, you torture me
Sometimes he calls me "Chick" and complains that I am causing him distress.
Zoot! Are we livin'?"
He uses slang terms like "Zoot" to ask if we are really experiencing life to the fullest.
I'm thinkin' o' leavin' him flat
I am considering breaking up with him quickly.
He says, 'Dig, dig, the jumps the old
He uses phrases like 'Dig, dig' to describe his excitement about something.
Ticker is givin'
His heart is beating quickly, which he thinks is a good thing.
Now, he can talk plainer than that
He is capable of speaking clearly and concisely if he chooses to.
Keep it up like this
If he continues speaking this way,
And that's, "Murder," he says
He will keep saying 'Murder' like it's romantic, which is not okay.
In that impossible tone
He says 'Murder' in a way that is not romantic or attractive.
It will bring on nobody's murder but his own
If he keeps using this language, he will be the only one suffering the consequences.
And my name's Marie
My name is not Jackson, it's Marie.
'Shoot the snoot to me'
He uses slang phrases like 'Shoot the snoot to me' to mean that he likes my nose.
What the heck is that?
He uses expressions like 'What the heck is that?' which make no sense in the given context.
Is that the language of love?
Is this really how people talk when they are in love?
When he likes my hat
If he thinks my hat looks good on me,
He says, 'Wooh, wooh,' he says
He makes strange noises like 'Wooh, wooh' to express his admiration.
He says, "Hep, hep, with helium
He uses phrases like 'Hep, hep, with helium' which have no real meaning.
And other expressions to wit
As well as other meaningless expressions.
He says, "We're in da groove
He thinks we are in a good rhythm, as he says 'We're in da groove.'
And da groove is good lookin'
He thinks that our groove together looks good and is something to admire.
He sounds like his uppers don't fit
He sounds like he is speaking too quickly, like he has taken too many stimulants.
And the way he says, 'Murder'
When he says 'Murder',
I've told him over and over and over again
I have said this to him many times.
That it'll be nobody else's murder but his own
If he continues to use this language, he will be the only one suffering the consequences.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Frank Loesser, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lua
Finally found a fella
Almost completely divine
But his vocabulary
Is killing this romance of mine
We get into an intimate situation
And then begins this character's conversation......
He says, murder, he says
Every time we kiss
He says, murder, he says
At a time like this
He says, murder, he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, solid, he says
Takes me in his arms
And says, solid, he says
Meaning all my charms
He says, solid, he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, chick chick
You torture me
Zoom, are we livin?
I'm thinkin' of leaving him flat
He says, dig dig the jumps
The old ticker is giving
Now he can talk sweeter than that!
He says, murder, he says
Every time we kiss
He says, murder, he says
Keep it up like this
He says, murder, he says
In that impossible tone
Will bring on nobody's murder
But his own
He says, Jackson, he says
And my name's Marie
He says, Jackson, he says
Shoot the snoot to me
He says, Jackson, he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, wood woof! he says
When he likes my hat
He says, knk knk, he says
What the heck is that?
He says, woo woo! he says
Is that the language of love?
He says hep hep with helium
Now babe, we're cookin'
And other expression's to wit
He says, we're in the groove
And the groove is good lookin'
He sounds like his uppers don't fit!
He says, murder, he says murder,
And when he says murder
In that impossible tone
I've told him over and over and over again
That it'll be nobody else's murder,
Boy!
But his owwwwwwwn!
Stu Matthews
Dinah Shore's phrasing is immaculate on this recording. Voice of an angel even singing nonsense lyrics like "Hep hep with helium, now babe we're cookin' and other expressions to whit."
Lua
Finally found a fella
Almost completely divine
But his vocabulary
Is killing this romance of mine
We get into an intimate situation
And then begins this character's conversation......
He says, murder, he says
Every time we kiss
He says, murder, he says
At a time like this
He says, murder, he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, solid, he says
Takes me in his arms
And says, solid, he says
Meaning all my charms
He says, solid, he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, chick chick
You torture me
Zoom, are we livin?
I'm thinkin' of leaving him flat
He says, dig dig the jumps
The old ticker is giving
Now he can talk sweeter than that!
He says, murder, he says
Every time we kiss
He says, murder, he says
Keep it up like this
He says, murder, he says
In that impossible tone
Will bring on nobody's murder
But his own
He says, Jackson, he says
And my name's Marie
He says, Jackson, he says
Shoot the snoot to me
He says, Jackson, he says
Is that the language of love?
He says, wood woof! he says
When he likes my hat
He says, knk knk, he says
What the heck is that?
He says, woo woo! he says
Is that the language of love?
He says hep hep with helium
Now babe, we're cookin'
And other expression's to wit
He says, we're in the groove
And the groove is good lookin'
He sounds like his uppers don't fit!
He says, murder, he says murder,
And when he says murder
In that impossible tone
I've told him over and over and over again
That it'll be nobody else's murder,
Boy!
But his owwwwwwwn!
Zach
This is a great version of the song. I can't say its better then betty's version because they are both different. With this version I picture hearing it at a late night bar from a beautiful girl with a piano, where with betty's I picture hearing it and dancing to it in a dance hall or something like that. Both amazing versions.
theradicalthea
I played LA Noire again after finding out it'll be released again, then this song stuck on my head. 😊
Clever Last
okay la noire just made me crazy over this song. I was solving the case when this played on the radio 😂
Roy Earle
Same here.
Jagger Hughes
Ikr
Jarred Smith
Me too
Ryan Biggins
Wow she was really pretty. And she had a beautiful voice! Don't see that too much anymore.
CatMan
Nobody can top Betty Huttons version. This song was written for her.