The Skylarks, an American jazz and pop music vocal group, were formed in 1942 during World War II by four servicemen stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Initially known as The Velvetones, they toured military bases and appeared on Armed Forces Radio Network. Post-war, they relocated to Detroit, added female lead singer Gilda Maiken, and changed their name to the Blue Moods. They recorded "Stars Fell on Alabama" with Woody Herman's band before joining Bing Crosby, who renamed them The Skylarks. In 1948, they joined Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra and later Harry James' band. By 1949, they recorded number one hits "Cruising Down the River" and "Forever and Ever" with Russ Morgan. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, The Skylarks provided backup vocals for numerous artists, including Dinah Shore, Eddie Fisher, and Frank Sinatra. They had a notable hit in 1953 with "I Had the Craziest Dream". The Skylarks' farewell concert was in 1979, at the Hollywood Palladium.
