Debbie Reynolds

The death of Debbie Reynolds shocked the world last year. If you are a fan of musicals from the 1950s and 1960s, then Debbie Reynolds is well known to you. Mary Frances Reynolds was born on April 1, 1932 in El Paso, Texas.  The was the daughter of Ray and Minnie Reynolds. Her family moved Read More

The Andrew Sisters

When you think of hits such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Cirbiribin, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree and I’ll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time then the 1940s and the Andrews Sisters come to mind. But, who were the Andrew Sisters? The group consisted of three sisters LaVerne Sophia, Maxene Angelyn and Patricia Read More

Profile of a Performer: Burl Ives

If you watch the animated feature Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Christmas time you will remember the narrator, Sam the Snowman.   This snowman is voiced by the powerful vocals of Burl Ives. Ives goes on to sing such hits as A Holly Jolly Christmas and Silver and Gold in the special. Burl Ives was one Read More

Profile of a Performer: Elvis Presley– The Comeback King

In remembrance of the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, we will finish his profile this week. We’ve already discussed the younger years and his return from the Army. After a decade in films, Elvis Presley was considered a joke by both fans and critics. Now, it was time for some damage control. Colonel Parker made Read More

Profile of a Performer: Elvis is Back!

    After serving two years in the Army, the time had come for Elvis to return to his public.  Would he be able to make the comeback he hoped for? Elvis returned to the United States and was honorably discharged in early March 1960. Less than three weeks later he was in the recording Read More

Profile of a Performer: The Young Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was an early and important figure in changing the landscape of music in his day.   The King of Rock n Roll grew up listening to spirituals and crooners such as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. However, he would usher in a new generation of music for the post World War II youth. Elvis Read More

Profile of a Performer: Frank Sinatra—The Hollywood Years

Frank Sinatra was making a name for himself with the Tommy Dorsey band.  The teenage girls of the day, also known as bobby soxers, were his biggest fans. With World War II underway, Sinatra was classified as 4F for a perforated eardrum.   He did support the war effort through USO tours. In 1943, he signed Read More

Profile of a Performer: Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews brought the role of Maria to life on the screen in The Sound of Music. Andrews had only completed one film, not yet released, when she was cast in the role of Maria.   The director of the film The Sound of Music, Robert Weiss, was able to convince Walt Disney to allow him Read More

Profile of a Performer: The Bee Gees

The Bee Gees were a group that comprised of three brothers: Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.  Robin and Maurice are fraternal twins. The group is recognized for their three part harmonies.  The Gibb brothers were born on the Isle of Man, England.  The family lived in various parts of England before relocating to Queensland, Australia Read More

Profile of a Performer: Doris Day

      Doris Day was born Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff in Cincinnati on April 3, 1924. She was named after the silent film actress, Doris Kenyon.  She is of German ancestry and her parents both had a great love and appreciation for music.  Her father was a music teacher and church organist.  She began Read More