On November 10, 1907, Jane Froman was born in the small Missouri town of University City. She grew up in Missouri and considered Columbia, Missouri her home town. Her parents separated when she was only five. Little Jane suffered with stuttering, but it seemed to disappear when she sang. Maybe that’s why singing became such a refuge for her. She was married three times – had a successful career as a radio singer – sang for the troops with the USO appeared in movies and was named one of the most successful singers of the age.

On the way to one those trips, the plane carrying her and 38 others, crashed into the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. Jane was one of fifteen survivors, but she was severely injured. She was rescued by the plane’s co-pilot, whom she married five years after the accident.

The plane crash caused injuries that would require 39 surgeries to mend her broken body. The injuries to her legs were extensive. Her right leg suffered a compound fracture and a cut below her left knee which almost severed her leg. She would not agree to amputation. When she returned to entertain the troops in WWII, she appeared on crutches, but her determination was admirable.

She earned three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She had a fifteen minute show on CBS, alternating with the Perry Como Show. The song, “I Believe,” written specifically for Jane, was presented on the show and earned her a gold record in 1953.

A movie about her life was made in 1952 – “With a Song in my Heart,” starring Susan Hayward – another one of those movies I’ve sought to immerse myself in lately. The vocals were supplied by Jane Froman herself. We all need to hear these stories of courage and determination from time to time. Especially in times of uncertainty and stress.

I don’t know if it’s all the old movies I’ve been watching lately, but the title of my post today was ringing in my head when I woke up this morning. When I went to check it out on the internet, I discovered some of the above facts about this courageous woman. The reason I’m writing about her today is that it’s also her birthday. In honor of that event, here are the lyrics to her award winning song, “I Believe.”

“I believe for every drop of rain that falls a flower grows
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows
I believe for everyone who goes astray
Someone will come to show the way, I believe, I believe
I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard
I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why I believe
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why I believe
(Why I believe)“