I have several friends that are huge Patsy Cline fans, so I thought it would be fun to take a look at her life and career. Wikipedia says, “Cline was known for her rich tone, emotionally expressive and bold contralto voice, and her role as a country music industry pioneer. Along with Kitty Wells, she Read More
Category: Performers
Profile of a Performer: Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman was a staple on the Broadway stage and in Hollywood musicals during the Golden Age of musicals. She was a favorite with composer Cole Porter. Irving Berlin‘s There’s No Business Like Show Business became her signature song. Ethel Agnes Zimmermann was born on January 16, 1908 in Astoria, Queens, New York City. {She Read More
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: Celtic Thunder
Celtic Thunder is an Irish singing group that is known for their theatrical shows. The show was created and is produced by Sharon Browne, who was a creator and producer for Celtic Woman in 2004. The group made their debut in August 2007 at The Helix in Dublin, Ireland. Phil Coulter, was their musical director, 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