Ina Ray Hutton

Ina Ray Hutton (March 13, 1916 – February 19, 1984) was an American female leader during the Big band era, and sister to June Hutton. Hutton was born as Odessa Cowan in Chicago, Illinois. She and her parents were identified as "negro" or "mulatto" by census takers. She began dancing and singing in stage revues at the age of eight. Cowan's mother Marvel Ray was a local pianist and entertainer in Chicago. She attended Hyde Park High School on the South Side of Chicago.