While still a teenager she replaced Ann Richards as vocalist for the Stan Kenton Band, and went on to be featured on the bandstand and on Stan's regular TV show from the Rendezvous Ball Room at Balboa Island. From there she went on the road for two years with the Les Elgart orchestra, then two tours with Si Zentner and the Four Freshmen. Along the way she also did shows with Rowan & Martin, Bob Hope and many more. Then Fred Astaire called her to represent his new label!