Pauline Byrns Hudson; Retired Singer

Pauline Byrns Hudson, who recorded such hits as “Lullaby of Broadway” and “Gloomy Sunday,” has died in Sherman Oaks. She was 73.

Mrs. Hudson died Tuesday of cancer, said her husband, Howard G. Hudson.

A native of Missouri, she won a singing contest in Washington at the age of 17 and went on the road performing with a band. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, she recorded “Lullaby of Broadway” with the Dave Rose Orchestra, her husband said. She also recorded “Gloomy Sunday” and “Don’t Fall Asleep” with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, under the name of Pauline Byrns, according to a reference work on Big Bands.

In 1937, she moved to the San Fernando Valley and joined a singing group called Six Hits And A Miss, which performed on radio’s “The Bob Hope Show,” Hudson said. She later became lead singer of the Starlighters group,which also performed on radio. She retired from singing when her son was born in 1947. She was a longtime resident of Encino and had moved to Tarzana two years ago.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years; son Tim Hudson of Rohnert Park, Calif.; stepson Howard Gerald Hudson of Albuquerque, N.M.; sister, Mary Rovig of Yakima, Wash.; two grandchildren and a step-granddaughter.

At her request, no services are planned and the Neptune Society in Burbank is handling the arrangements. Donations can be made in Mrs. Hudson’s name to the American Cancer Society, San Fernando Valley unit.