Biography
Matsushima Utako (松島詩子) (real name: Utsumi Shima, May 12, 1905 - November 19, 1996 was a Japanese singer. She was born in Hiseki Village, Kuga County, Yamaguchi Prefecture (now part of Yanai City). Her husband was Utsumi Ichirō (1898-1972), who was active as a singer in the Asakusa Opera and Nitto Records before the war.
In 1932, with a strong desire to become a singer, originally a high school teacher, quit Tadami Girls' High School and moved to Tokyo. At the recommendation of composer Sasaki Suguru, she made her debut under the name Yanai Harumi with Nippon Columbia. She later recorded for Teichiku and other labels. At that time, she went by the name Chihaya Yoshiko. She also went by the stage names Fujita Tsuyako (Regal, Parlophone) and Azuma Kimiko.
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In 1935, she moved to King Records. This became her stage name, Utako Matsushima. It was named by Kosaku Yamada. "Tabe Hozukani" was her first hit. In 1937, her song "In the Shade of the Horse Chestnut Tree," which she played herself, became a big hit.
In 1951, she appeared in the first NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. She appeared a total of 10 times there after.
In 1952, she was scheduled to perform at the 2nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, but was forced to withdraw due to a traffic accident. Fubuki Koshiji took her place.
In 1955, her song "Kissaten no Katasumi de" (In a Corner of a Coffee Shop) became a hit.
In 1972, her husband, Ichiro Utsumi, died (at the age of 75).
In 1978, she was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class.
In 1991, she was designated an Honorary Citizen of Yanai City.
In 1996, she died of heart failure at the age of 91. Her grave is in Kodaira Cemetery. There is a Matsushima Shiko Memorial Museum in her hometown of Yanai.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.