Dorothy Squires

Dorothy Squires was born Edna May Squires in Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire (South Wales) on 25 March 1915. She began to perform professionally as a singer at the age of 16, working mostly with the orchestra of Billy Reid who was her partner for many years.

Reid began to write songs for her, and in the immediate post-war years, she recorded the original version of his composition, A Tree in the Meadow  (best known in the US by Margaret Whiting, whose version reached #1 on the American charts).

Her recording of Reid’s composition, I’m Walking Behind You was covered by Eddie Fisher – which also became a #1 hit in the US – and her recording of  The Gypsy hit the top of the charts Stateside when it was covered by The Ink Spots.

After her relationship with Reid ended she married actor Roger Moore in 1953 in New Jersey. The marriage ended in 1961 when Moore (12 years her junior) left Squires and moved in with Luisa Mattioli. Moore and Squires officially divorced in 1969.

Squires had further hits in 1969 and 1970,  including a cover of the classic My Way, popularised by Frank Sinatra. She returned to EMI briefly in 1973.

Also in 1973, Squires was one of several artists arrested and charged in connection with a BBC Payola case (allegations that BBC radio producers were bribed to broadcast their records). The case was subsequently dropped.

Dorothy Squires lost her home in 1988 following bankruptcy proceedings. She retired to Wales and died of lung cancer in Llwynpia Hospital, Rhondda, on 14 April 1998.