13 – VAUDEVILLE, MUSIC HALL AND CABARET
Before radio, movies or television, the music hall was the main source of entertainment. Basically, it was a live variety show presented for the amusement of the working class. Patrons viewed an evening at the music hall as a regular social event and a way of escaping the pressures of everyday life. For the performer, it embodied the concept of show business as a tradition and a way of life, and the stars it produced were strictly the creation of the public. The terms vaudeville, music hall and cabaret are all interchangeable - the only difference being the setting. All of the terms signified the lost phenomena - live variety.
Originally, the general setting of the music hall was that of a drinking establishment, pub or tavern in which singers, dancers, comics, jugglers and speciality acts were showcased. Mostly, it allowed patrons the opportunity to sing along with the popular singers of current hits. The term music hall usually signified a primitive concert setting, originally without chairs, allowing the audience the freedom to drink and mill about while enjoying the show. The floor plan consisted of a stage, a bar and a series of booths lining each side of the hall. The sale of liquor and light snacks easily paid for the entertainment. Sometimes an extremely popular attraction capable of drawing a full house could command a large fee and receive star billing. It was from this basic atmosphere that all other subsequent venue formats sprang including variety, saloon and vaudeville.
The music hall tradition began in 18th century Britain when many unsuccessful ballet and opera houses were turned into drinking establishments featuring entertainment. By 1751, the British Parliament had passed an act requiring each hall to obtain a magistrates licence. The result was larger, better quality halls presenting first class entertainment. In 1852, Charles Morton, the self-proclaimed "Father Of The Halls," opened the first major music hall behind the Canterbury Arms in Lambeth, just south of the Thames River.
By 1911, the music hall had reached its peak when Royal Command Performances were requested at The London Palladium. After World War One, it deteriorated and was eventually snuffed out by the emergence of radio, movies and television. The British music hall at its best presented top rate artists, many who achieved international stardom. It was also the definitive influence on its American counterpart.
There are several views concerning the origin of the term vaudeville. One concept traces the name back to Vaudevere, France. Another determines that vaudeville was a corruption of the French expression "voix de ville" or "voice of the town." Historically, the definition of the term changed drastically with the period. For instance, during the 16th century it meant a song featuring amorous lyrics. In the 18th century, it was applied to a song with verses sung by different singers. It designated a short comedy with popular songs sung in revue in the mid 19th century and by the late 19th century, it simply meant a variety show.
The basic vaudeville setting was a theatre with concert seating often featuring a balcony and box seats. In the early days, stage scenery was extremely crude and lighting involved a series of primitive gas footlights. There was no audio equipment so vocalists required powerful pipes to be heard over the din made by the audience. Each act was announced with the use of placards.
Early performers often banded together in troupes, sometimes called minstrels. Vaudevillians spent their entire life on the road. Speciality artists concocted outrageous acts such as one man bands or playing the xylophone with one's feet. Animal acts, Jewish comics, contortionists, clowns, female impersonators, bird imitators, jugglers, knife throwers, tap dancers, mind readers, yodelers, song pluggers, ventriloquists, minstrels, midgets, Ethiopian entertainers (black performers), juvenile performers and specialty acts were common fare. The great Will Rogers did rope tricks while doing his comedy schtick.
Performers were inclined to display extreme enthusiasm and speed during their act. An act had to grab the audience's attention and keep it. As one particular song from the show "Gypsy" stated - "you gotta get a gimmick, if you want to get a hand." Gimmicks could mean anything from a trademark song to a sneeze. Personality was essential. One must appreciate the fact that these performers really worked hard, sometimes repeating their act up to 20 or more times daily. Routines never varied and improvisation was rarely appreciated. Competition was tough and each act strived for top billing. And no matter what - "the show must go on."
Many vaudeville theatres featured amateur nights where audience members were invited to compete. Magicians enjoyed great popularity, the most outstanding being illusionist/escape artist Harry Houdini. The most popular act was the song and dance man, often accompanied by a pianist. However, the musical instrument most promoted by vaudevillians was the ukelele.
Vaudeville was split into several circuits, each owned and operated by a specific manager or company. Each circuit consisted of a string of variety houses or palaces, toured on a regular basis by a specific contracted group of entertainers. The Keith-Albee circuit was operated by Benjamin Franklin Keith (1846 - March 26, 1914) who pioneered the term vaudeville in the U.S. and Edward F. Albee (Oct. 8, 1857 - March 11, 1930), It originated in Boston starting with The Boston Bijou in 1885 and spread to incorporate over 400 theatres on the east coast of The United States and Canada. Most of these houses featured performances from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Orpheum circuit, owned by Martin Beck (July 30, 1867 - Nov. 16, 1940), was a string of houses extending from Chicago to California. Beck also owned the famous Palace Theater on 47th Street in New York City, hailed as America's outstanding vaudeville house between 1913 and 1932. Black vaudevillians were forced to tour on the TOBA (Theatre Owners Booking Association) circuit which they sarcastically said stood for "tough on black asses."
The powerful promoters of the medium, preferring to be called impresarios, became almost as well known as many of the performers. Aside from Keith, Albee, Beck and Alexander Pantages, the most well known pioneer of that lofty position was the flamboyant Tony Pastor (1837 - 1908) who refined vaudeville in New York City and raised its calibre by presenting a series of slick, punchy family shows featuring star attractions. In 1881, Pastor had begun his operations by establishing a variety theatre on 14th St. in New York City.
In 1917, The National Vaudeville Artists (N.V.A.) club, backed by E. F. Albee came into being.
"Do motion pictures harm children? They do if their parents are in vaudeville." - Vaudeville joke (1929).
Times were changing. The first contributing factor to the demise of vaudeville was the all encompassing power of radio beginning in the 1920's. Then when the sound picture arrived in 1927 with "The Jazz Singer" starring Al Jolson, movies were often featured between the live shows. The overwhelming power of the talkies dwarfed the popularity of live entertainment and by the mid 1930's, vaudeville as a dominant entertainment force had all but died out. In fact, after "The Jazz Singer," The Keith-Orpheum Circuit wrapped up its theatre interests and joined The Radio Corporation to form a new film studio called RKO. Later, when the television age arrived in the 1950's, vaudeville experienced its last gasp of breath when Ed Sullivan hosted his weekly variety program. By the 1970's, even the television variety show was dead.
Burlesque began in the 18th century as a spoof of a current show or event. Unlicensed premises evaded the law by changing their name to burletta or burlesque. It was generally second rate entertainment, often based in the seamier section of a town. By the late 19th century, it came to define a type of show aimed strictly at a male audience with a bias toward bawdy comedy and sex. In America, striptease artists became the main attraction. Sex exploitation was first introduced in the form of an erotic dance called the cootch dance or hootchy cootchy, perfected by the infamous Little Egypt at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Other such attractions included scantilly attired young women presented in what was labelled "living pictures." However, the participants did not move. Later, one charmingly tasteful stripper calling herself Gypsy Rose Lee managed to raise the genre to a high art form by injecting humourous anecdotes into her performances while removing very few articles of clothing. Many of the giants of American show business such as Bob Hope and Fanny Brice cut their teeth as comics in burlesque. By 1932, moral outcry banned it from New York City. Eventually, the variety aspects were completely abandoned, leaving the stripper as the sole attraction.
The minstrel show was America's first true entertainment craze. Its origin stemmed from the white man's ongoing fascination with and imitation of black culture. Unfortunately, it manifested itself in a vile attempt to suppress real black entertainment by creating cruel overblown stereotypes. White performers blacked up with burnt cork, donned outlandish getups and satirized the "slow, lazy ignorant black." It was presented by touring troupes in revues, featuring songs (usually termed as "plantation songs" or "coon songs") and humourous dialogue and skits. The company, consisting entirely of males - several attired as females, appeared in a semi-circle on stage, facing the audience. The program was interspersed with familiar songs and humourous cross talk between the two "end men," Mr. Bones and Mr. Tambo and the head minstrel, referred to as Mr. Interlocutor. Out of this rather hokey dialogue, there emerged a stereotypical caricature, depicting a distorted image of the black man's mentality and persona. It was a distasteful image which has never been completely eradicated.
Nowadays, the so-called humour would be considered cornball, low calibre and blatantly racist. Jokes along the lines of "Why did the chicken cross the road?" were common fare. Songs traditionally associated with the minstrel show such as "Merrily We Roll Along," "I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad," "Old Dan Tucker," "Blue Tail Fly" and "Goodnight Ladies" had been around for eons. Daniel Decatur Emmett joined Bryant's Minstrels in 1858, writing the unforgettable "Dixie" for them in 1859. And the songs composed by Stephen Foster were an essential feature of the minstrel repertoire.
As early as 1769, there is record of blackface performances in the U. S. Later, an entertainer named "Daddy Rice" (Thomas Dartmouth Rice) (1808 -1860) allegedly originated the term "Jim Crow" which defined the distorted negro stereotype. Sadly, the reference stuck and was later applied during segregation to hospitals, restaurants, hotels and other establishments catering strictly to blacks. Rice had begun performing and perfecting his act in the frontier towns along the Ohio River, calling himself an "Ethiopian Delineator." He then took his act to The Bowery Theatre in New York City where he often took more than 20 encores. By 1836, he took his act to England. His solo act later evolved and grew into the minstrel show.
The most notorious pioneer of the minstrel genre was the colourful Edwin P. Christy. Born in Philadelphia in 1815, he formed The Virginia Christy Minstrels during the 1840's. It was he who concocted the idea of "end men" and set the pattern for later troupes such as The Sable Harmonists, Bryant's Minstrels, The Ethiopian Serenaders and the famous Lew Dockstader's Minstrels. He was a belligerent, egotistical individual who in a fit of depression, committed suicide in 1862 by jumping out of a window.
By 1870, when blacks entered mainstream show business, they formed their own troupes and they themselves were often behoved to black up, continuing to portray themselves in the stereotypical manner preset by whites. In this way they gained a certain amount of white acceptance to the horror of the black community.
By the 1890's, minstrel shows were gradually being replaced by vaudeville and variety shows.
As a form of entertainment, female impersonation goes back to the time of the early Greeks and Egyptians. Considered by some as an art form, it has rarely risen to a position of any great importance or popularity in modern times. Often labelled by modern day critics as "the armpit of show business," in earlier times it was highly respected. Both males and females have been known to take part.
In Britain, it enjoyed reasonable success as a novelty around the turn of the century. One particularly feisty female vaudevillian named Vesta Tilley (1864 - 1952) often appeared in men's clothing or "military drag." In her most famous song, "Burlington Bertie," she presented a highly entertaining woman's view of the male persona to the delight of her audiences.
Julian Eltinge (William J. Dalton) (May 14, 1883 - March 7, 1941) was one of the most respected and outrageous female impersonators and Bert Savoy's unique artistry inspired the stage character created by the fabulous Mae West. During the heyday of the music hall, the impersonators or drag queens actually sang and spoke in character but sadly when recordings appeared, they began to lip sync (mime), cutting the talent factor considerably. Now, commonly called drag shows, the genre has basically been relegated to small clubs and gay bars. However, some talented performers such as Jim Bailey and the amazing Charles Pierce managed to keep the true essence and charm of the original art form alive. During the latter part of the century, one of the most creative drag "comediennes" is Australian Barry Humphries also known as Dame Edna. Currently in the 1990's, a charming individual calling himself RuPaul is enjoying considerable success on the dance charts and acceptance as a model, actor and personality.
Originally synonymous with mime, it later referred to a totally British form of entertainment featuring songs and dances set to familiar story lines. The first pantomime, "Harlequin Executed" debuted at Lincoln's Inn Field's Theatre in London, England. Pantomime began as an annual Christmas pageant of sorts, later expanding to incorporate fantasy elements - usually based on children's storybook tales such as "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Dick Whittington And His Cat." The form was much less vulgar than the music hall. Traditionally, the male lead is played by a female and the major female role is played by a male. Slapstick comedy was the main fare. Annual pantomimes are still a successful summer attraction at Blackpool, England.
Parisian in origin, cabaret is an entertainment form usually built around a solo star performer. The setting can range from an intimate little boite to a full fledged nightclub. Sometimes it is packaged as a revue, still centered on a star attraction. A cover charge based on the drawing power of the featured artist, combined with the sale of food and alcoholic beverages pays for the entertainment. In 1881, Rodolphe Salis opened "Le Chat Noir," Paris' first true cabaret in Montmartre.
In pre-Nazi Germany, political cabaret clubs presenting songs and skits which poked fun at politicians, the government and prominent celebrities were all the rage. These predominantly underground venues often featured avant-garde acts such as female impersonators, lewd comics and various speciality acts of a sexual nature. The decadent mood of such clubs was captured brilliantly in the 1972 film, "Cabaret." When the Nazi party came into power, the risqué and controversial aspects of the entertainment were eliminated.
Cabaret exists today in grand style in elaborate clubs in tourist areas such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. However, the shows are essentially secondary to the main attraction - gambling.
Saloon is a term which originated in the 19th century, often conjuring up visions of the drinking establishments of the old west. It features strictly small scale entertainment presented in a working class bar or pub. The setting is generally tables, chairs, a bar and a small makeshift stage. The show usually features a vocalist accompanied by a pianist or small combo. For most of his life, Frank Sinatra preferred to label himself a saloon singer.
The artists profiled in this chapter established their reputations in variety, later making an impact in the recording industry, films and television. All of these performers epitomize show business at its best.
- Matilda Alice Victoria Wood (Feb. 12, 1870 - Oct. 7, 1922)
- Singer/comedienne born in Hoxton, London, England.
- Nicknamed "Our Marie" and "Queen Of The Halls."
- 1885 - Age 15, began appearing in public, quickly making a name for herself in London's leading halls. She took her stage name from Lloyd's Weekly News.
- Her early repertoire consisted of risqué numbers such as "Oh! Mr. Porter" and "A Little Of What You Fancy Does You Good."
- Became a star with the song, "The Boy I Love Is Up In The Gallery." The song had originally been introduced by Nelly Power (1853 - 1887).
- Pantomime appearances include "Humpty Dumpty"(1891), "Little Bo Peep"(1892) and "Robinson Crusoe"(1893).
- Toured Europe, Africa, Australia and North America.
- 1912 - She was excluded from the first Royal Command Performance because of her suggestive material.
- Oct. 7, 1922 - Died in Golders Green, London, England.
- Hits include "My Old Man Said Follow The Van," "Every Little Movement"(July, 1912), "When I Take My Morning Promenade," "One Of The Ruins That Cromwell Knocked About A Bit" and the classic "Don't Dilly Dally."
- Florence Flanagan (Aug. 14, 1876 - April 18, 1940)
- Singer born in Melbourne, Australia.
- Nicknamed "The Australian Marie Lloyd."
- 1893 - Debuted in burlesque and pantomime in Sydney, Australia.
- 1897 - Moved to London, England where she began taking the principal boy roles in pantomime.
- 1903 - Enjoyed a hit with Harry Von Tilzer's "Down At The Old Bull And Bush."
- Forde became the grand dame of the British music halls.
- 1935 - Appeared in the Royal Variety Performance.
- April 18, 1940 - Died in Aberdeen, Scotland.
- Hits include "She's A Lassie From Lancashire"(1907), "Oh! Oh! Antonio"(1908), "Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly"(1909), "It's A Long Way To Tipperary"(1912), "Hold Your Hand Out Naughty Boy"(1914) and "Pack Up Your Troubles"(1915).
- Harry MacLennan Lauder (Aug. 4, 1870 - Feb. 25, 1950)
- Singer/songwriter/comedian born in Portobello, Scotland.
- Son of a potter, he was originally a coal miner.
- The first British artist to become internationally known.
- Lauder wrote songs directed mostly at Scots living in other countries.
- He dressed in kilts, glengarry and carried a crooked stick.
- Unwittingly created the stereotype of the cheap Scot with a comedic attitude similar to the style presented by Jack Benny. Although known for his stingy jokes, he was actually a very generous contributor to charities.
- Lauder was able to charm an audience for hours with his colourful nostalgic songs and homespun humour.
- 1894 - Began his professional stage career.
- 1900 - He was booked for 300 consecutive weeks in the Moss Empire and Syndicate Music Halls, playing 3 houses a night for $900 a week.
- 1904 - Began recording for The Gramophone Company.
- 1911 - William Morris Sr. booked Lauder to play 2 weeks at The Manhattan Opera House in New York City, making him the first solo entertainer ever to play there.
- 1915 - William Morris Sr. booked him in the U.S. at $3,000 weekly with a $1,000 bonus to Lauder's managers.
- During World War One, he went to the front lines to entertain the troops. He lost his only son during the war.
- 1919 - He was knighted.
- 1927 - Appeared in the film, "Huntingtower."
- 1928 - Released his autobiography, "Roamin' In The Gloamin'."
- 1933 - Appeared in the film, "Auld Lang Syne."
- Feb. 26, 1950 - Died in Strathaven, Scotland.
- Hits include "I Love A Lassie"(Nov., 1907)#2, "She Is My Daisy" (Nov., 1909)#2, "Stop Your Ticklin' Jock"(April, 1910)#4, "Roamin' In The Gloamin'"(Feb., 1912)#5, "My Bonny Bonny Jean" (July, 1916)#9, "A Wee Deoch An' Doris"(Nov., 1926) and "Loch Lomond"(Feb., 1927).
- Other famous songs include "The Wee Hoose Amang The Heather," "We Parted On The Shore," "I Belong To Glasgow" and "Keep Right On To The End Of The Road."
- Noel Pierce Coward (Dec. 16, 1899 - March 26, 1973)
- Singer/songwriter/actor/dancer/playwright/director born in Teddington, England.
- His songs were sophisticated, chic, witty and just plain hilarious.
- Unfortunately, because his lyrics were so unabashedly British and often over the public's head, much of his art was severely overlooked, especially in the U.S.
- Nicknamed "The Master Of Mockery," his topics concerning sex, booze, drugs and morality often scandalized conservative audiences.
- 1923 - His song, "Parisian Pierrot" (written in 1911) was performed by Gertrude Lawrence in the show, "London Calling."
- March, 1928 - His revue, "This Year Of Grace" starring Beatrice Lillie featured the songs, "A Room With A View" and "Dance Little Lady."
- 1929 - Wrote the song, "I'll See You Again" while in a New York taxi.
- 1930 - "Private Lives," his non musical play starring the incandescent Gertrude Lawrence was written in 4 days.
- 1933 - Released an autobiography titled "Present Indicative."
- 1939 - His Broadway show, "Set To Music" featured the hit, "Mad About The Boy."
- 1949 - Released an autobiography titled "Future Indefinite."
- Later, to Las Vegas audiences in the 1950's, he was the epitome of the debonair, foppish 1920's British toff.
- 1968 - Portrayed by Dan Massey In the film, "Star."
- His classic compositions include "Mad Dogs And Englishmen"(1932), "I've Been To A Marvelous Party"(1939) and "Has Anybody Seen Our Ship?".
- 1972 - Many of his songs were reprised in the revue, "Cowardly Custard."
- March 26, 1973 - Died in Port Maria, Jamaica.
- Gertrude Alexandra Dagmar Lawrence-Klassen (July 4, 1898 - Sept. 6, 1952)
- Singer/actress/dancer born in Clapham, London, England.
- 1908 - Age 10, made her stage debut in Brixton in "Babes In The Wood."
- 1911 - Age 12, she was in the chorus of "The Miracle" at The Olympia.
- She became the queen of the London musical theatre.
- 1921 - Appeared with Jack Buchanan and Beatrice Lillie in the Charlot revue, "A To Z" singing "Limehouse Blues."
- Stage credits include "Charlot's Revue"(1925), "Oh Kay"(1926), "Private Lives"(1930), "Tonight At 8:30"(1936), "Lady In The Dark"(1941) and "The King And I"(1951).
- 1949 - Released her autobiography, "A Star Danced."
- 1950 - Appeared in the Warner Brothers film, "The Glass Menagerie."
- Sept. 6, 1952 - Died during the Broadway run of "The King And I."
- 1968 - Portrayed by Julie Andrews in the biopic, "Star."
- Hits include "A Cup Of Coffee A Sandwich And You"(March, 1926)#5 (with Jack Buchanan), "Poor Little Rich Girl"(April, 1926)#11, "Someone To Watch Over Me"(Feb., 1927)#2 and "Do Do Do"(Feb., 1927)#8.
- Recommended recording - "Jenny"(1941) (from "Lady In The Dark").
- Walter John Buchanan (April 2, 1891 - Oct. 20, 1957)
- Singer/dancer/actor/producer/director born in Helensburgh, Scotland.
- Long time favourite of the English music halls.
- 1911 - Made his debut in variety shows.
- 1917 - Appeared in the London show, "Bubbly."
- 1921 - Appeared in the Charlot revue, "A To Z" with Beatrice Lillie and Gertrude Lawrence.
- Famous in the U.S. for his hit recording of "A Cup Of Coffee A Sandwich And You"(March, 1926)#5 (with Gertrude Lawrence), which they performed in the sophisticated English show, "Charlot's Revue"(1925).
- Musical comedies at The London Hippodrome include "That's A Good Girl"(1928), "Stand Up And Sing"(1931) and "Mr. Whittington" (1934).
- Introduced the songs, "And Her Mother Came Too"(1921) and "I'm In A Dancing Mood"(1936).
- 1930 - Starred in the film, "Monte Carlo" with Jeanette MacDonald.
- 1937 - Introduced the hit, "By Myself" from "Between The Devil."
- His career floundered in the 1940's.
- 1953 - Appeared with Fred Astaire in the film version of "The Bandwagon" performing the hit, "I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan."
- Oct. 20, 1957 - Died in London, England.
- (Oct. 1, 1890 - Jan. 30, 1982)
- Singer/dancer/comedian/actor born in East London, England.
- Father of author Roald Dahl and grandfather of model Sophie Dahl.
- A bona fide pro from the boards of the English music halls.
- 1903 - Age 13, began on the stage as Master Stanley Holloway - Boy Soprano.
- 1921 - Became a baritone soloist in the London revue, "The Co-Optimists."
- During the 1930's, his comedic recordings concerning a fictitious British family called The Ramsbottoms (now collectors' items) became the rage.
- 1954 - Played The Metropolitan Opera as Bottom in the Old Vic production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
- 1956 - Forever associated with his role as Alfred P. Doolittle in the Broadway show, "My Fair Lady," later recreating the part in the 1964 film version.
- 1962 - Appeared in the TV series, "Our Man Higgins."
- 1969 - Released the autobiography, "Wiv A Little Bit Of Luck."
- Recommended recordings - "Join The Navy"(Nov., 1927) (from "Hit The Deck") and "Anne Boleyn"(Oct., 1934).
- Grace Stansfield (Jan. 9, 1898 - Sept. 27, 1979)
- Singer/comedienne/actress born in Rochdale, Lancashire, England.
- Based her act on the poverty of her origins, endearing herself to the hearts of the British public.
- Famous for her comedic monologues and songs such as "The Biggest Aspidistra In The World," "Walter Walter," "In My Little Bottom Drawer" and "Grandfather's Bagpipes."
- 1916 - Began a 9 year run in the revue, "The Tower Of London."
- By the end of the 1920's, she was the most sought after performer in Britain.
- 1928 - Began recording.
- During the 1930's, appeared in numerous British films including "Sally In Our Alley"(1931), "Sing As We Go"(1934) and "Shipyard Sally"(1939).
- Her trademark song was "Sally"(1931).
- Fields possessed a crystal clear semi-operatic voice.
- To the British public, she was affectionately known as "Our Gracie."
- Married to Italian born actor/director Monty Banks (Mario Bianchi). After Italy entered the war, they moved to The United States.
- During World War Two, she entertained allied troops all over the world and raised over one million pounds for the war effort.
- 1943 - Appeared in the film, "Stage Door Canteen."
- 1952 - Moved to the island of Capri.
- 1960 - Released the autobiography, "Sing As We Go."
- 1978 - A theatre in Rochdale was named in her honour.
- Sept. 27, 1979 - Died in Capri, Italy after being made a Dame Commander Of The British Empire.
- Hits include "Sing As We Go"(1934), "Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye"(1939) and "Now Is The Hour"(Jan., 1948)#3.
- William Hoy Booth (May 26, 1904 - March 6, 1961)
- Singer/songwriter/comedian/actor/ukelele player born in Wigan, England.
- His father, George Formby Sr. (James Booth) (1877 - 1921) had been a big British music hall star in Edwardian times.
- 1921 - After his father's death, gave up being a jockey and became a professional entertainer. He leaned heavily on his Lancashire accent.
- Travelled in his own road shows, singing and playing the ukelele until 1934.
- 1934 - Began starring in a long string of successful British comedy films including "Boots Boots"(1934), "Keep Your Seats Please"(1936), "Keep Fit"(1937), "Let George Do It"(1940), "Get Cracking"(1943).
- During World War Two, Formby was Britain's highest paid entertainer.
- 1945 - His career was in decline.
- March 6, 1961 - Died of a heart attack in Blackpool, England.
- Hits include "The Wedding Of Mr. Woo"(1934), "When I'm Cleaning Windows"(1936) and "Leaning On The Lamp"(1937).
- Many of his charming songs were later covered by other artists, the most notable being 1960's pop group Herman's Hermits. In England, he has since achieved cult status.
- Helen Louise Leonard (Dec. 4, 1861 - June 6, 1922)
- Singer/actress born in Clinton, Iowa.
- 1879 - Appeared in the chorus of Gilbert & Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore."
- Nov. 22, 1881 - Made her vaudeville debut at Tony Pastor's Music Hall.
- Became famous for her glamourous, beefy hourglass figure and her well documented romance with the notorious Diamond Jim Brady.
- One of America's first bona fide superstars, she was much imitated and admired.
- 1914 - Appeared in the film, "Wildfire."
- 1940 - Portrayed by Alice Faye in the biopic, "Lillian Russell."
- Hits include "Blue Lovebird" and "Come Down My Evening Star."
GEORGE M. COHAN
- (June 1, 1873 - May 22, 1922)
- Singer/comedienne born in Lancashire, England.
- Contralto vocalist with a flair for ethnic dialects, Jones was the most popular female singer of the pre-1920 period.
- Moved to America and began recording with Edison in 1904.
- 1907 - Began recording with Billy Murray (see Billy Murray).
- Hits include "My Carolina Lady"(May, 1905)#3, "I Just Can't Make My Eyes Behave"(April, 1907)#1-2 wks., "The Yama Yama Man"(July, 1909)#1-5 wks., "I've Got Rings On My Fingers"(Nov., 1909)#1-4 wks., "Row, Row, Row"(Jan., 1913)#1-3 wks. and "By The Beautiful Sea"(Sept., 1914)#1-2 wks. (with Billy Watkins).
- (Feb. 26, 1887 - March 3, 1966)
- Singer/dancer/actor born in Burlington, Iowa.
- Formed a team with his brother Paul, touring in vaudeville.
- Frawley introduced several huge hits including "My Mammy" and "Carolina In The Morning" before they were recorded by Al Jolson.
- Appeared in over 150 films, becoming one of the most versatile character actors of all time.
- 1951-1957 - Starred as the cantankerous Fred Mertz in the classic TV sitcom, "I Love Lucy."
- 1960-1963 - Appeared as Uncle Bub in TV's "My Three Sons."
- (Aug. 1, 1878 - Jan. 11, 1947)
- Vaudevillian born in Marbleton, Quebec, Canada.
- Known as "The 'I Don't Care' Girl" after popularizing her trademark song, "I Don't Care."
- The highest paid star of her time.
- Her success was based strictly on her bubbly personality rather than her singing talent. Her notoriety was founded on her risqué stage attire - or lack of it.
- It was said that Tanguay ran more than 3 miles onstage during her act.
- Also known as "The Sambo Girl" and "The Cyclonic Comedienne."
- 1929 - Her career was ruined by the stock market crash.
- Asa Yoelson (March 26, 1886 - Oct. 23, 1950)
- Singer/songwriter/actor born in St. Petersburg, Russia.
- Son of Moses Yoelson (1854 - 1946), an orthodox rabbi.
- 1893 - Age 7, moved to America.
- Raised in Washington, D.C.
- 1899 - Age 13, he deputized as a synagogue cantor for his father.
- 1899 - His debut stage appearance was a bit part in Israel Zangwill's "The Children Of The Ghetto."
- Began travelling in vaudeville, circuses and minstrel shows with his brother Harry (Hirsch Yoelson) (1883 – ) in the trio Jolson, Palmer & Jolson.
- 1905 - Began performing in blackface, billing himself as "The Blackface With The Grand Opera Voice."
- 1908 - Joined Lew Dockstader's Minstrels for $75 a week as an end man.
- 1911 - The Schuberts signed him for their New York stage show, "La Belle Paree." Jolson stole the show.
- 1911 - His recording career for Victor took off with 2 songs from the show, "Vera Violetta" - "Rum-Tiddle-Tiddle" and "That Haunting Melody."
- As his success grew, he began paying his brother Harry $25 a week not to sing because he had a similar act.
- For over 20 years, he was America's biggest star.
- Nicknamed "The World's Greatest Entertainer."
- 1912-1948 - Released over 100 singles.
- It never occurred to Jolson that his minstrel based act was abhorrent to most blacks. He genuinely admired black artists and in some instances, his overtly stereotypical portrayal of black mannerisms actually opened the door for the real thing. However, decades later, it remains a curious and embarrassing situation.
- Famous for his deep resonant booming voice and dynamic delivery. His greatest assets were his improvisational ability and charisma. Truly a giant in 20th century music, Jolson was an electrifying performer.
- 1923 - Signed to star in a D. W. Griffith film titled "Mammy's Boy." The film was never completed.
- 1926 - Made an experimental sound short titled "April Showers."
- Oct. 6, 1927 - Warner Brothers' "The Jazz Singer" (the first partial sound motion picture) starring Jolson, debuted in New York City.
- His famous catch phrase was "You ain't heard nothin' yet!"
- Sept. 21, 1928 - Married his third wife, dancer/singer/actress Ruby Keeler (Ethel Hilda Keeler) (Aug. 25, 1909 - Feb. 28, 1993).
- Film appearances include "The Singing Fool"(1928), "Mammy"(1930), "Big Boy"(1930), "Go Into Your Dance"(1935) and "Rose Of Washington Square"(1939).
- By the late 1930's, his career was in decline, his raucous singing style considered old hat since it was the age of the band singer and the crooner.
- During World War Two, he devoted much of his time to entertaining the troops.
- 1945 - Married Erle Chennault, the niece of General Chennault. She was 40 years his junior.
- Two successful biopics starring Larry Parks, "The Jolson Story" (1946) and "Jolson Sings Again"(1949) gave him the comeback he so richly deserved. The vocals were supplied by Jolson.
- His recordings once again began to sell.
- 1950 - Became the first star to entertain U.N. troops in Korea.
- Oct. 23, 1950 - Died of a heart attack in San Francisco, California.
- Hits include "That Haunting Melody"(March, 1912)#1-2 wks., "Ragging The Baby To Sleep"(July, 1912)#1-5 wks., "You Made Me Love You"(Sept., 1913)#1-7 wks., "Rockabye"(Aug., 1918)#1-8 wks., "Swanee"(May, 1920)#1-9 wks., "April Showers"(Jan., 1922)#1-11 wks., "Toot Toot Tootsie"(Dec., 1922)#1-4 wks., "California Here I Come"(May, 1924)#1-6 wks., "All Alone"(Jan., 1925)#1-5 wks., "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World"(March, 1926)#1-2 wks., "When The Red Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob Bobbin' Along"(Sept., 1926)#1-2 wks., "My Mammy"(June, 1928)#2, "Sonny Boy"(Oct., 1928)#1-12 wks., "There's A Rainbow Round My Shoulder"(Oct., 1928)#1-2 wks., "Hallelujah! I'm A Bum"(March, 1933)#19 and "The Anniversary Song"(Feb., 1947)#2.
- Recommended recording - "Let Me Sing And I'm Happy"(March, 1930) #2 (his signature tune).
- Sonia Kalish (Jan. 13, 1884 - Feb. 9, 1966)
- Singer/comedienne/actress born in Poland of Russian parents.
- Her family moved to America and changed their name to Abuza.
- 1905 - First sang professionally in her father's cafe in Hartford, Connecticut.
- 1906 - Married Louis Tuck, later taking the stage name Sophie Tucker.
- 1906 - Appeared in a blackface act at The New York Music Hall.
- 1909 - Appeared in The Ziegfeld Follies, returning to vaudeville in 1912.
- 1914 - She was earning $1,000 a week.
- 1919 - Appeared in "The Schubert Gaieties" in Boston, Massachusetts.
- 1922 - Headlined at The London Palladium and starred at The London Hippodrome in "Round In Fifty."
- 1924 - Appeared in "The Earl Carroll Vanities" in New York City.
- During the 1920's, her recording career was at its peak.
- 1929 - Introduced "He's A Good Man To Have Around" and "I'm The Last Of The Red-Hot Mommas"(Sept., 1929)#15 in the film, "Honky Tonk."
- 1930 - Starred in "Follow A Star" at The Winter Garden Theatre in New York City.
- Film appearances include "The Broadway Melody Of 1938"(1937), "Thoroughbreds Don't Cry"(1937) and "Atlantic City"(1944).
- 1938 - Tucker was a huge success in Cole Porter's Broadway musical, "Leave It To Me," introducing "Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love."
- During the 1950's and 1960's, she was a regular featured guest on numerous TV variety programs including "The Ed Sullivan Show."
- Oct., 1965 - Played her final engagement at New York's Latin Quarter.
- Affectionately known as "The Last Of The Red Hot Mamas," Tucker's big bold brassy vocals were an inspiration for many singers including Judy Garland.
- Tucker's famous theme song, "Some Of These Days" was twice a hit (July, 1911)#2 and (Feb., 1927)#1-5 wks.
- Feb. 9, 1966 - Died in New York City.
- Hits include "That Lovin' Rag"(July, 1910)#3, "You've Gotta See Mama Every Night"(July, 1923)#6, "Red Hot Mama"(Sept., 1924)#7, "After You've Gone"(Sept., 1927)#10, "My Yiddishe Momme"(Oct., 1928)#5 and "The Lady Is A Tramp"(Nov., 1937)#19.
- Mary Jane West (Aug. 17, 1893 - Nov. 22, 1980)
- Actress/singer/comedienne/playwright born in Brooklyn, New York.
- 1899 - Age 6, began appearing in vaudeville as "Baby Mae - Song And Dance." Legend has it that her first performance featured Mae singing "Moving Day" and performing a skirt dance.
- 1907 - Became a star on the amateur circuit.
- 1910 - Married Frank Wallace. It was short lived.
- Nov. 20, 1911 - Had a bit part on Broadway in "Vera Violetta" starring Al Jolson.
- Teamed with female impersonator Bert Savoy, whose mannerisms she would later incorporate into her stage persona. West was also a fan of female impersonator Julian Eltinge.
- 1913 - Debuted as a single on the Keith circuit billed as a singer/comedienne.
- Frequented black venues to pick up ideas for her act, later incorporating jazz and blues into her style.
- 1918 - Credited herself with perfecting the shimmy dance.
- During the 1920's, wrote her own vehicles for Broadway, also producing plays such as "Pleasure Man" and "The Drag" (about a female impersonator) under the name Jane Mast.
- April, 1926 - One of her more outlandish plays simply titled "Sex" caused her to spend some time in jail after she was charged with lewd and indecent behaviour.
- 1926 - Began to record on the Brunswick label, singing lowdown honky tonk songs.
- April 9, 1928 - Starred in the now classic "Diamond Lil" on Broadway popularizing "Frankie And Johnny."
- June, 1932 - Arrived in Hollywood to star in films, often writing her own dialogue.
- Film appearances include "She Done Him Wrong"(1933), "Belle Of The Nineties"(1934) and "My Little Chickadee"(1940).
- Famous for her racy quips such as "It's not the men in your life, it's the life in your men" and "Come up and see me sometime."
- Later, after Hollywood censors squashed her movie career, West took her artistry to nightclubs.
- During World War Two, British forces christened their life jacket a Mae West - for obvious reasons.
- Although she is best known as a master of the wisecrack and the double entendre, West was a gifted and inventive songstress.
- She was a true original in the annals of show business and a major figure in American folklore.
- Hits include "Easy Rider"(1928), "Frankie And Johnny"(Feb., 1933), "A Guy What Takes His Time"(April, 1933)#5 and "My Old Flame"(Sept., 1934).
- Recommended tracks - "They Call Me Sister Honky Tonk" from "I'm No Angel"(1933) and West's campy version of "Memphis Blues"(1934) with The Duke Ellington Orchestra in the film, "Belle Of The Nineties."
- James Francis Durante (Feb. 10, 1893 - Jan. 29, 1980)
- Singer/songwriter/pianist/actor/comedian born in The Bowery, New York.
- 1909 - His father bought him a piano for his birthday and Jimmy immediately proceeded to learn ragtime and honky tonk piano.
- 1914 - Billed as "Ragtime Jimmy," he played at Diamond Tony's in Coney Island and Club Alamo in Harlem.
- 1916 - Formed his own group and began recording for Gennett and Okeh.
- Jan., 1923 - After teaming with singer Eddie Jackson and dancer Lou Clayton, the trio of Clayton, Durante & Jackson opened at the Club Durant in New York City.
- During the 1920's, the trio became one of the hottest nightclub attractions, also starring on Broadway in the Gershwins' "Showgirl"(1929) and Cole Porter's "The New Yorkers"(1930).
- 1930 - Durante went solo.
- Film appearances include "Roadhouse Nights"(1930), "It Happened In Brooklyn"(1947), "On An Island With You"(1948) and "It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World"(1963).
- 1933 - Starred in the Broadway show, "Strike Me Pink" with Lupe Velez.
- During the 1940's, hosted his own radio program.
- 1959 - Hosted his own TV variety show.
- Nicknamed "The Schnozzola" and "The Great Durante."
- Famous for his exit line, "Goodnight folks and goodnight Mrs. Calabash wherever you are."
- Durante was a well loved human being and a one of a kind artist.
- Hits include "Can Broadway Do Without Me"(1929), "Inka Dinka Doo"(Feb., 1934)#6 (his trademark song from the film, "Palooka"), "September Song"(Sept., 1963)#51 and "It's One Of Those Songs."
BOB HOPE
- Louise Hovick (Feb. 9, 1914 - April 26, 1970)
- Striptease artist/comedienne born in Seattle, Washington.
- Her mother, Mrs. John Olav Hovick pushed both Louise and her sister June (later actress June Havoc) into vaudeville stardom.
- In Toledo, Ohio, Louise filled in for an exotic dancer and by the early 1930's, she had become the best known stripper in the business.
- Her greatest talent was her series of one liners while removing each article of clothing.
- 1959 - The Broadway show, "Gypsy" was based on her memoirs. It also became a major motion picture in 1962 starring Natalie Wood as Lee.
MARLENE DIETRICH
In the early 1900's, barbershop quartets were all the rage. Most of the material was extremely sentimental and the singers were generally unaccompanied. The trend took off when The Empire City Quartet introduced the classic "(You're The Flower Of My Heart) Sweet Adeline" in 1903. Numerous groups including The Haydn Quartet, The American Quartet and The Peerless Quartet ruled supreme until the 1920's.
- (May 25, 1877 - Aug. 17, 1954)
- Tenor born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Raised in Denver, Colorado.
- Became known as "The Denver Nightingale."
- Sang in vaudeville.
- From 1905 on, he became the main interpreter of George M. Cohan songs.
- 1907 - Began dueting with Ada Jones. Hits together include "Let's Take An Old-Fashioned Walk"(Nov., 1907)#1-6 wks. "Cuddle Up A Little Closer, Lovey Mine"(Sept., 1908)#1-5 wks., "Shine On, Harvest Moon"(May, 1909)#1-5 wks. and "Be My Little Baby Bumble Bee"(Oct., 1912)#1-5 wks.
- 1907 - Began recording regularly with The Haydn Quartet.
- 1910 - Formed The American Quartet.
- Hits include "Bedelia"(Jan., 1904)#1-3 wks., "Navajo"(March, 1904)#1-5 wks., "Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis"(July, 1904)#1-9 wks., "Come Take A Trip In My Air-Ship"(Jan., 1905)#1-4 wks., "Yankee Doodle Boy"(Feb., 1905)#1-8 wks., "Give My Regards To Broadway"(June, 1905)#1-5 wks., "In My Merry Oldsmobile"(Oct., 1905)#1-7 wks., "The Grand Old Rag" (better known as "You're A Grand Old Flag")(May, 1906)#1-10 wks., "Harrigan"(Sept., 1907)#1- 9 wks., "I Love A Piano"(April, 1916)#1, "Pretty Baby"(Oct., 1916)#1, "K-K-K-Katy"(June, 1918)#3 and "That Old Gang Of Mine" (Sept., 1923)#1-6 wks. (with Ed Smalle).
- Also known as The Hayden Quartet.
- Original line-up consisting of John Beiling (1869 - March 30, 1948) (tenor), Harry Macdonough (tenor), S. H. Dudley (baritone) and William F. Hooley (1861 - Oct. 12, 1918) (bass).
- 1898 - Began recording on Edison as The Edison Male Quartette. Hits include "My Old Kentucky Home"(Jan., 1898)#1-3 wks. and "Break The News To Mother"(April, 1898)#2.
- Billy Murray sang lead on many of their hits after 1907.
- Reinald Werrenrath later replaced Dudley.
- 1910 - Murray formed The American Quartet with Beiling, Hooley and baritone Steve Porter.
- 1914 - Disbanded, with Macdonough, Werrenrath, Hooley and tenor Lambert Murphy forming The Orpheus Quartet. Their greatest hit was "Turn Back The Universe And Give Me Yester Day"(Nov., 1916) #1-3 wks.
- Hits include ""She Was Bred In Old Kentucky"(Sept., 1898)#3, "Because"(Oct., 1900)#1-4 wks., "In The Good Old Summertime" (Feb., 1903)#1-6 wks., "Bedelia"(Jan., 1904)#1-7 wks., "Sweet Adeline"(Oct., 1904)#1-10 wks., "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" (Oct., 1908)#1-7 wks. (with Billy Murray), "Put On Your Old Gray Bonnet"(Dec., 1909)#1-11 wks. and "By The Light Of The Silv'ry Moon"(April, 1910)#1-9 wks.
- Harry B. McClaskey (Jan. 15, 1882 - April 6, 1941)
- Tenor born in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada.
- Also known as Irving Gillette.
- Nicknamed "The Dean Of The Ballad Singers."
- The #1 balladeer of the first 3 decades of the century.
- 1898 - Debuted as a boy soprano.
- Classically trained, he changed his name to Burr when he began recording on cylinders since he felt it was beneath him.
- 1904-1928 - Sang with The Peerless Quartet.
- 1911 - Began recording with Albert Campbell. Hits together include "When I Was Twenty-One And You Were Sweet Sixteen"(May, 1912)#1-4 wks., "The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine"(June, 1913)#1-3 wks., "Till We Meet Again"(Feb., 1919)#1-9 wks. and "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles"(May, 1919)#1-2 wks.
- 1916-1922 - Recorded with The Sterling Trio, consisting of Burr, Albert Campbell and John Meyer.
- 1921 - When his recording career waned, began performing on radio.
- Previous to his death, Burr was a regular on NBC's "National Barn Dance" radio program.
- Sang on over 12,000 recordings.
- April 6, 1941 - Died in Chicago, Illinois.
- Hits include "Come Down, Ma Ev'ning Star"(July, 1903)#1-4 wks., "In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree"(April, 1905)#1-7 wks., "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now"(Sept., 1909)#1-8 wks., "Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland"(Nov., 1910)#1-4 wks., "M-O-T-H-E-R (A Word That Means The World To Me)"(Feb., 1916)#1-6 wks., "Just A Baby's Prayer At Twilight (For Her Daddy Over There)"(April, 1918)#1-11 wks., "Oh! What A Pal Was Mary"(Oct., 1919)#1-6 wks. and "My Buddy"(Nov., 1922)#1.
- 1904 - Originally called The Columbia Male Quartet.
- Consisting of Henry Burr (tenor), Albert Campbell (tenor), Steve Porter (baritone) and Tom Daniels (bass).
- 1906 - Frank Stanley (William Stanley Grinsted) (1869 - Dec. 12, 1910) replaced Daniels and became the lead singer and manager. The group changed its name to The Peerless Quartet.
- 1909 - Arthur Collins replaced Porter.
- 1910 - After Stanley's death, John Meyer (1878 - May 3, 1949) became the bass and Burr took over as leader.
- 1918 - Collins left, replaced by Frank Croxton (1878 - Sept. 3, 1949).
- 1918-1925 - The Burr, Campbell, Meyer and Croxton line-up remained in tact.
- 1925 - Burr formed a new Peerless Quartet which lasted until 1928.
- Hits include "Sweet Adeline"(Nov., 1904)#1-3 wks., "I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad"(Sept., 1911)#2, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart"(Nov., 1911)#1-7 wks., "My Bird Of Paradise"(July, 1915)#1-4 wks., "Over There"(Oct., 1917)#1-2 wks., "I Don't Know Where I'm Going But I'm On My Way"(Jan., 1918)#1-2 wks. and "Auld Lang Syne"(Dec., 1921)#5.
- (Feb. 7, 1864 - Aug. 3, 1933)
- Baritone/minstrel/comedian born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- While in vaudeville, specialized in dialect and novelty material.
- 1901 - Began recording with The Big Four Quartet, consisting of Collins, Byron Harlan, Joe Natus and A. D. Madiera. Their biggest hit was "Goodbye Dolly Gray"(March, 1901)#1-3 wks.
- 1901-1918 - Enjoyed numerous comedy oriented hits with tenor Byron G. Harlan (Aug. 29, 1861 - Sept. 1, 1936). Hits together include "Down Where The Wurzburger Flows"(Dec., 1902)#1-5 wks., "Under The Yum Yum Tree"(Feb., 1911)#1-5 wks., "Put Your Arms Around Me Honey"(March, 1911)#1-5 wks., "Alexander's Ragtime Band"(Sept., 1911)#1-10 wks., "When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam"(Feb., 1913)#1-6 wks., "The Aba Daba Honeymoon"(Oct., 1914)#1-2 wks. and "Dark Town Strutters' Ball"(March, 1918)#1.
- 1909-1918 - Replaced baritone Steve Porter in The Peerless Quartet.
- Hits include "Kiss Me, Honey Do"(Jan., 1899)#3, "Hello Ma Baby" (April, 1899)#1-4 wks., "Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home" (July, 1902)#1-8 wks., "Under The Bamboo Tree"(Dec., 1902)#1-3 wks., "Goodbye, Eliza Jane"(Oct., 1903)#1-4 wks., "The Preacher And The Bear"(June, 1905)#1-11 wks. (the first 2 million selling record) and "It's Nobody's Business But My Own"(Sept., 1919)#9.
- 1910 - Group formed by tenor/lead soloist Billy Murray (May 25, 1877 - Aug. 17, 1954).
- Originally called The Edison Premier Quartet.
- Consisting of Murray, tenor John Beiling (1869 - March 30, 1948), baritone Steve Porter and bass William F. Hooley (1861 - Oct. 12, 1918).
- 1912 - Counter-tenor Will Oakland was added to record as The Heidelberg Quartet.
- 1914 - Beiling was replaced by Harry Anthony (1870 - 1954) (aka: John Young).
- Late, 1918 - After Hooley's death, Donald Chambers (1841 - May 17, 1939) joined.
- 1920 - A re-vamped American Quartet included Murray, Albert Campbell, John Meyer (1878 - May 3, 1949) and Frank Croxton.
- 1925 - Disbanded.
- Hits include "Casey Jones"(June, 1910)#1-11 wks., "Come Josephine In My Flying Machine"(May, 1911)#1-3 wks. (with Ada Jones), "Oh, You Beautiful Doll"(Dec., 1911)#1-3 wks., "Moonlight Bay"(March, 1912)#1-8 wks., "Rebecca Of Sunny-brook Farm"(March, 1914)#1-6 wks., "It's A Long, Long Way To Tipperary"(Nov., 1914)#1-7 wks., "Chinatown My Chinatown"(Feb., 1915)#1-2 wks. and "Good-Bye Broadway, Hello France"(Sept., 1917)#1.
- (March 21, 1868 - July 22, 1932)
- Producer/impresario born in Chicago, Illinois.
- 1893 - Got his start in show business at The Chicago World's Fair managing Sandow the strongman.
- Between 1907 and 1931, produced annual shows known as The Ziegfeld Follies.
- Ziegfeld "glorified the American girl" and presented the crème of American talent, displayed in the most elaborate stagings ever imagined. The women he showcased were the most exquisite beauties selected from thousands of applicants.
- His forte was promotion and presentation at the height of extravagance. Ziegfeld felt compelled to produce an American equivalent of "The Folies Bergere" in Paris. His early chorus lines numbered no fewer than 120, a record until 1983.
- An amazing manipulator of the press, he created fantastic rumours to hype his stars.
- The shows changed annually, giving many of the prominent composers of the day a great deal of exposure.
- The stars he discovered include Fanny Brice, W.C. Fields, Anna Held, Will Rogers and Marilyn Miller.
- His wives included Anna Held and Billie Burke.
- He spent wildly and died millions of dollars in debt.
- July 22, 1932 - Died of a heart attack.
- Ziegfeld had given show business a glamour never seen before or since.
- 1936 - Portrayed by William Powell in the fabulous biopic, "The Great Ziegfeld" - a bona fide must for any fan of the musical.
- Jenny Dolly (Janszieka Deutsch) (Oct. 25, 1892 - June 1, 1941)
- Rosie Dolly (Roszicka Deutsch) (Oct. 25, 1892 - Feb. 1, 1970)
- Raven-haired identical twins born in Budapest, Hungary.
- Raised in New York's Lower East Side.
- Rose to fame by dressing in identical costumes and dancing and singing so perfectly matched that it was absolutely impossible to tell them apart.
- 1911 - Starred with Fanny Brice in their first Ziegfeld Follies appearance. They were a huge success, later becoming the darlings of Europe.
- The act broke up when Jenny was seriously injured in a car crash.
- June 1, 1941 - Jenny Dolly hung herself from a curtain rod in her home.
- 1945 - Portrayed by Betty Grable and June Haver in the schmaltzy biopic, "The Dolly Sisters."
- Isidore Israel Iskowitz (Jan. 31, 1892 - Oct. 10, 1964)
- Singer/dancer/comedian/banjo player/actor born on Hester Street in New York's Lower East Side.
- Orphaned at age 2, he was raised by his grandmother, Esther Kantrowitz.
- 1909 - Made his debut public appearance at the old Clinton Music Hall, later becoming a weekend singer at a Coney Island saloon backed by 16 year old Jimmy Durante on piano.
- 1912 - Performed with Gus Edwards' vaudeville troupe in "Kid Kabaret."
- 1916 - Began performing in blackface, playing the famous Palace Theatre in the musical, "Canary Cottage."
- 1917-1919 - Achieved stardom in The Ziegfeld Follies.
- Jan., 1924-Dec., 1926 - Starred in the Broadway show, "Kid Boots."
- 1927 - Appeared in "The Ziegfeld Follies Of 1927."
- Nicknamed "The Banjo-Eyed Comedian."
- His trademark song was Eddie Leonard's "Ida Sweet As Apple Cider," a tribute to Cantor's wife Ida Tobias.
- Technically not a great singer, Cantor was a performer blessed with impeccable timing and delivery.
- Famous for prancing across the stage while patting his hands together.
- Nov., 1928-March, 1930 - Starred in the Broadway show, "Whoopee."
- Film appearances include "Whoopee"(1930), "Roman Scandals"(1933), "Kid Millions"(1934) and "Strike Me Pink"(1936).
- During the 1950's, hosted his own TV variety show.
- 1952 - Suffered a heart attack which limited his activities.
- 1953 - Portrayed by Keefe Brasselle in the biopic, "The Eddie Cantor Story."
- Worked tirelessly for several charities including The March Of Dimes, a phrase which he coined.
- Oct. 10, 1964 - Died in Hollywood, California.
- Hits include "That's The Kind Of A Baby For Me"(Dec., 1917)#10, "You'd Be Surprised"(Feb., 1920)#3, "Margie"(Feb., 1921)#1-5 wks., "No No Nora"(Nov., 1923)#1-2 wks., "If You Knew Susie" (July, 1925)#1-5 wks., "Makin' Whoopee"(Feb., 1929)#2 and "Okay Toots"(Dec., 1934)#19.
- Fannie Borach (Oct. 29, 1891 - May 29, 1951)
- Singer/comedienne/actress born in New York's Lower East Side.
- 1904 - Age 13, won an amateur contest in Brooklyn.
- 1906 - Toured in a show called "A Royal Slave."
- Ziegfeld discovered her playing in a shabby burlesque house and recruited her for "The Ziegfeld Follies Of 1910." She also appeared in the 1911, 1916, 1917, 1920, 1921 and 1923 editions.
- Her facial contortions and comic genius made her an instant favourite with audiences.
- Most of her material featured Yiddish dialogue.
- Brice possessed a plaintive, resonant voice which lent itself equally well to both ballads and comedy numbers.
- 1920 - Introduced "Rose Of Washington Square" in Ziegfeld's "Midnight Frolic."
- 1921 - Stopped The Ziegfeld Follies with her dramatic rendition of the classic torch song, "My Man"(Feb., 1922)#1.
- 1928 - Starred in the film, "My Man."
- 1931 - Starred on Broadway in Billy Rose's "Crazy Quilt" where she introduced "I Found A Million Dollar Baby In A Five And Ten Cent Store."
- Film appearances include "Night Club"(1929), "Be Yourself"(1930), "The Great Ziegfeld"(1936) and "Everybody Sing"(1938).
- Later struck gold on radio playing the delightfully mischievous Baby Snooks.
- Her husbands included gambler Nick Arnstein and songwriter Billy Rose.
- May 29, 1951 - Died in Hollywood, California.
- Her life was immortalized in the Broadway musical, "Funny Girl" (1964) and on film in 1968. Both starred Barbra Streisand.
- Hits include "Second Hand Rose"(Feb., 1922)#3, "I'd Rather Be Blue"(March, 1929)#16 and "Cooking Breakfast For The One I Love" (1930).
- Leonara (Dora) Goldberg (Jan. 10, 1880 - March 19, 1928)
- Singer/songwriter born in Joliet, Illinois.
- Began her career singing Irish ballads.
- 1902 - Introduced Harry Von Tilzer's "Down Where The Wurzburger Flows."
- 1907 - Became an overnight sensation in The Ziegfeld Follies.
- 1908 - Married Jack Norworth (Jan. 5, 1879 - Sept. 9, 1959) (the second of her 5 husbands) with whom she wrote several hit songs including the classic "Shine On Harvest Moon" from "The Ziegfeld Follies Of 1908."
- Nicknamed "The Empress Of The Two-A-Day" because of her stamina for performing constantly.
- Introduced Richard Whiting's "Japanese Sandman."
- Claimed to have "a husky, unmelodious voice with a range of only 8 notes."
- March 19, 1928 - Died during a tumour operation in New York City.
- 1944 - Portrayed by Ann Sheridan in the film, "Shine On Harvest Moon."
- Hits include "Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?"(May, 1910)#2, "Over There"(Nov., 1917)#1-3 wks., "Goodbye France"(March, 1919)#3, "How Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm"(March, 1919)#2 and "Make Believe"(June, 1921)#1-3 wks.
- Mary Ellen Reynolds (Sept. 1, 1898 - April 7, 1936)
- Singer/dancer/actress from Findlay, Ohio.
- Aug., 1903 - Began in show business as a member of The Columbian Trio with her mother and stepfather. Later, her two sisters were added making it The Five Columbians.
- 1907 - Toured Britain, becoming the star of the group, her major talent being dancing. She became known as "Baby Miller."
- 1915 - Appeared solo in Lee Schubert's "Passing Show."
- Shows with Ziegfeld include the Follies of 1918 and 1919.
- 1922-1927 - Married to actor Jack Pickford.
- During the 1920's, epitomizing the flapper, she became known as "The Jazz Age Sweetheart."
- Her greatest Broadway triumphs were "Sally"(1920) in which she introduced "Look For The Silver Lining," and "Sunny"(1925) which featured the hit song, "Who?" Both shows became film hits in 1929 and 1930 respectively.
- 1933 - Sang "Easter Parade" in "As Thousands Cheer."
- 1949 - Portrayed by June Haver in the film, "Look For The Silver Lining."
- April 7, 1936 - Died of a toxic condition following a sinus infection.
- Maryanna Michalski (Oct. 24, 1901 - Dec. 22, 1959)
- Dancer/actress born in Krakow, Poland.
- 1908 - Moved to America.
- 1918 - Nicknamed "The Goddess Of The Shimmy," after she popularized the notorious shimmy dance.
- 1922 - While dancing to "It's Getting Dark On Old Broadway," she stopped "The Ziegfeld Follies Of 1922."
- Film appearances include, "Lawful Larceny"(1923), "The Devil Dancer"(1928) and "The Great Ziegfeld"(1936).
HELEN MORGAN
RUTH ETTING
- Egbert Austin Williams (Nov. 12, 1874 - March 4, 1922)
- Singer/songwriter/dancer/comedian born in Nassau, Bahamas.
- The first black entertainer to headline on Broadway.
- 1893 - Began as a minstrel.
- 1896 - Debuted in a duo with George W. Walker in the Broadway show, "The Gold Bug."
- They appeared in the all-black shows, "The Policy Shop"(1900) and "In Dahomey"(1903).
- 1906 - They formed The Negro Actor's Society which safeguarded the rights of black performers.
- 1910 - Williams ended his partnership with Walker.
- His trademark song was the heart-wrenching "Nobody"(July, 1906) #1-9 wks.
- Became one of America's most popular entertainers.
- Appeared in the 1911, 1912, 1914, 1915, 1916 and 1919 editions of The Ziegfeld Follies.
- Williams developed a unique talking vocal style and a mesmerizing delivery which made the most of a lyric.
- By 1912, he was a major star of The Ziegfeld Follies, often teamed with white comic Leon Erroll.
- Unfortunately, Williams was locked into the so-called "coon" stereotype character which drove him to alcohol. W.C. Fields stated that "he was the funniest man I ever saw ... and the saddest man I ever met."
- 1916 - In the film, "The Natural Born Gambler." Williams recreated his most famous routine, a mime poker game performed alone.
- 1919 - Retired from the stage.
- March 4, 1922 - Died in New York City.
- Hits include "Good Morning Charlie"(Jan., 1902)#1-5 wks., "He's A Cousin Of Mine"(Jan., 1907)#1-2 wks., "It's Nobody's Business But My Own"(Sept., 1919)#1-2 wks. and "When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine"(Dec., 1919).
- Other songs associated with Williams include "Let It Alone" (1906), "That's A-Plenty"(1909) and "Woodman, Woodman Spare That Tree"(1911).
- (Jan. 25, 1895 - Nov. 1, 1927)
- Singer/dancer/actress born in Washington, D.C.
- Beautiful legendary performer who rose to fame in "Shuffle Along"(1921), one of the first all-black shows to become popular. Her big hit in the show was Eubie Blake's "I'm Just Wild About Harry," which she sang in her charming tiny birdlike voice.
- Affectionately known as "Little Twinks."
- Starred on Broadway in "The Plantation Revue."
- She went to London and Paris with the hit show, "Blackbirds" but died tragically of appendicitis on her return to the U.S.
- Sadly, she was never recorded.
- (Oct. 31, 1896 - Sept. 1, 1977)
- Singer/dancer/actress born in Chester, Pennsylvania.
- Influential charismatic singer with a coquettish delivery and soft insinuation.
- Lena Horne once stated that Ethel Waters was the mother of us all.
- Born after her mother was raped at the age of 12.
- 1908 - Age 12, married her first of 3 husbands.
- 1916 - Sang at a Hallowe'en party where she was discovered.
- 1917 - Became the first woman to sing "The St. Louis Blues."
- Billed as "Sweet Mama Stringbean" in vaudeville, she was teamed often with The Hill Sisters.
- 1921-1923 - Toured with The Fletcher Henderson Orchestra.
- Appeared before her first all-white audience at The Kedzie Theatre in Chicago for $350 a week.
- 1925 - Replaced the vivacious Florence Mills in "The Plantation Revue" on Broadway.
- Jan., 1926 - Her recording of her theme song, "Dinah" went to #2 nationally.
- July, 1927 - Appeared in the Broadway show, "Africana."
- Sept., 1927 - Headlined at vaudeville's top venue The Palace.
- 1929 - Appeared in Warner Brothers' first talkie filmed in colour, "On With The Show." Songs included "Am I Blue" and "Birmingham Bertha."
- April, 1933 - Appeared at The Cotton Club with The Duke Ellington Orchestra.
- Sept., 1933 - Irving Berlin signed her for his revue, "As Thousands Cheer" which featured Waters' classic rendition of "Supper Time."
- Film appearances include "Cabin In The Sky"(1940), "Stage Door Canteen"(1943) and "The Sound And The Fury"(1959).
- 1949 - Nominated for Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her performance in "Pinky."
- 1952 - Famous for her soulful treatment of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" from the film, "Member Of The Wedding."
- Proved herself to be a remarkable actress, earning the illustrious title of Miss Ethel Waters.
- Waters broke through racial barriers with her inspired performances and dignified bearing.
- Later in life, she appeared with The Billy Graham Crusades.
- Sept. 1, 1977 - Died in Chatsworth, California.
- Hits include "There'll Be Some Changes Made"(Dec., 1921)#5, "Sweet Georgia Brown"(Sept., 1925)#6, "Am I Blue"(May, 1929)#1-2 wks., "Stormy Weather"(May, 1933)#1-3 wks., "Heat Wave"(Oct., 1933)#7 and "Taking A Chance On Love"(1940).
- Josephine MacDonald (June 3, 1906 - April 12, 1975)
- Singer/dancer/actress born in St. Louis, Missouri.
- 1919 - Age 13, married briefly to William H. Baker.
- 1921 - Age 15, toured with blues singer Bessie Smith.
- Started out in the chorus of the all-black revue, "Shuffle Along" and by 1923, she had become the star.
- 1925 - Went to Paris to dance in "La Revue Negre" where she dazzled audiences with her beautiful brown body adorned only with a G-string of bananas.
- Billed as "The Dark Star," Baker became the sensation of the "Folies Bergere" and the darling of France. However, she failed to gain attention in her own country.
- A fashion trendsetter, she was the epitome of class and sophistication. The Parisians called her "La Bakhair."
- Along with Florence Mills, Baker helped promote black dance, making it a worldwide phenomenon. Her version of the Charleston was said to have set all of Europe dancing.
- An underrated vocalist, her beauty often overshadowed her other considerable talents.
- July, 1930 - Recorded her trademark song, "J'ai Deux Amours (Two Loves Have I)."
- Film appearances include "La Sirene Des Tropiques"(1927), "Zou- Zou"(1930) and "Princess Tam-Tam"(1935).
- 1934 - Appeared in Jacques Offenbach's opera, "La Creole."
- 1937 - Became a French citizen.
- During World War Two, assisted The Red Cross and toured military bases, often crusading for integration. She was awarded the Croix De Guerre and the Legion D'Honneur.
- 1950 - Began adopting children of every nationality calling them her rainbow tribe.
- Blacklisted in America, she was accused of being a communist because of her constant fight for racial equality.
- During the 1960's and 1970's, after losing her chateau, she took her cabaret act on tour in order to support her many children.
- April 12, 1975 - Died in Paris, France.
- 1990 - The biopic, "The Josephine Baker Story" was released starring Lynn Whitfield.
- Hits include "Bye Bye Blackbird"(Jan., 1927), "Dis-Moi Josephine" (July, 1930) and "I've Got You Under My Skin"(March, 1937).
- Luther Robinson (May 25, 1878 - Nov. 25, 1949)
- Tap dancer/singer/actor born in Richmond, Virginia.
- His feet were said to be as quick as a snare drummer's hands.
- Appeared in a number of all-black shows including "Blackbirds Of 1928."
- His most famous routine was his stair-tap which he performed on a flight of stairs.
- Film appearances include "Harlem Is Heaven"(1932), "Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm"(1938) and "Stormy Weather"(1943).
- Forever associated with his classic dance routines with Shirley Temple.
- His birthday is designated as National Tap Dancing Day.
- His only charted recording was "Ain't Misbehavin'"(Oct., 1929)#8.
- (Dec. 8, 1925 - May 15, 1990)
- Singer/dancer/actor/multi-instrumentalist born in New York City.
- One of the last great vaudevillians.
- 1931 - Made his film debut in "Rufus Jones For President."
- 1932 - Began performing in The Will Mastin Trio with his father and uncle. It was basically a dance act but soon, Davis was incorporating his singing and musicianship into the act.
- 1946 - The trio broke out of the "chittlin' circuit" and went mainstream.
- In the early 1950's, went solo.
- 1954 - A consummate entertainer, Davis went back to work immediately after losing his left eye and having his nose smashed in a car crash near Las Vegas.
- 1954 - Signed with Decca Records.
- 1959 - Played Sportin' Life in the film version of Gershwin's "Porgy And Bess."
- 1964 - Starred with Billy Daniels on Broadway in "Golden Boy."
- 1965 - Davis released his autobiography, "Yes I Can."
- Nicknamed "Mr. Wonderful."
- Davis was considered to be "the" all round entertainer.
- 1970 - Collapsed onstage during a Las Vegas concert, slowing down thereafter.
- 1988 - Appeared with Gregory Hines in the film, "Tap."
- May 15, 1990 - Died of throat cancer in Beverly Hills, California.
- Hits include "Hey There"(Aug., 1954)#16, "Something's Gotta Give" (June, 1955)#9, "What Kind Of Fool Am I"(Sept., 1962)#17, "I've Gotta Be Me"(Dec., 1968)#11 and "The Candy Man"(March, 1972)#1-3 wks.
- (Sept. 12, 1888 - Jan. 1, 1972)
- Singer/actor born in Menilmontante, France.
- 1900 - Age 12, began singing in Parisian cafes.
- By 1910, he was performing in the "Folies Bergere," often paired with cabaret star Mistinguett.
- During World War One, spent 26 months in a German prison camp.
- Famous for his straw hat and protruding lower lip, Chevalier was the personification of the debonair Parisian.
- 1929 - Appeared in "The Ziegfeld Follies."
- Film appearances include "Innocents Of Paris"(1929), "The Love Parade"(1929), "The Big Pond"(1930), "Love Me Tonight"(1932), "The Merry Widow"(1934) and "Gigi"(1958).
- Accused of collaborating with the Nazis, after World War Two, his career suffered.
- 1958 - Awarded a special Oscar for his contribution to the entertainment world.
- During the 1960's, appeared in several one man shows and performed regularly as a guest on TV variety shows.
- Jan. 1, 1972 - Died in Paris, France.
- Hits include "Louise"(June, 1929)#3 (his theme song), "You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me"(May, 1930)#12, "Mama Inez" (Aug., 1931)#18 and "Mimi"(Aug., 1932)#9.
- Edith Giovanna Gassion (Dec. 19, 1915 - Oct. 11, 1963)
- Singer/songwriter/actress born in the Belleville district of Paris, France.
- Her mother was an Italian cafe singer and her father was a Norman circus acrobat.
- 1917, Age 2, abandoned by her mother, she was raised by her grandmother in Bernay, Normandy.
- Blind between the ages of 3 and 7, she later travelled with her father, performing in carnivals.
- 1930 - Age 15, began singing on the streets of Paris for coins.
- Discovered by Louis Leplee, proprietor of Gerny's cabaret, who changed her name to Piaf (Parisian slang for sparrow).
- 1935 - Piaf was hailed a hit at a large vaudeville theatre in Paris.
- During World War II, Piaf sang to French prisoners held in Germany, often aiding in several escapes.
- An amazing performer, Piaf, a mere 4 ft. 11, absolutely conquered audiences with her intense powerful voice and dramatic delivery.
- 1945 - Began appearing in French films.
- 1945 - Began touring for 2 years with the 9 piece a cappella vocal group Les Compagnons De La Chanson. With them, she recorded the enthralling "Les Trois Cloches (The Three Bells)"(1950).
- Oct., 1947 - Made her U.S. debut where her classic song, "La Vie En Rose"(Oct., 1950)#23 written with R. S. Louiguy, endeared her to American audiences.
- During the 1950's, she electrified audiences at a series of Carnegie Hall concerts.
- By the 1960's, she had become the prisoner of a failing body. Still, she refused to retire. "I must sing," she said.
- Oct. 11, 1963 - Millions mourned her passing.
- Hits include "Mon Legionnaire"(1937), "Hymne A L'Amour (If You Love Me)"(1950), "La Goualante Du Pauvre Jean (The Poor People Of Paris)"(1954), "L'Accordioniste"(1955), "Milord"(1959), "Non Je Ne Regrette Rien"(1960) and "C'est L'Amour"(1960).
- Liza May Minnelli (March 12, 1946 – )
- Singer/dancer/actress born in Los Angeles, California.
- Daughter of superstar Judy Garland and producer/director Vincente Minnelli, and sister of singer Lorna Luft.
- Named after the song, "Liza," since its lyricist Ira Gershwin was her godfather.
- 1949 - Made her film debut with her mother in the musical, "In The Good Old Summertime."
- 1963 - Made her off-Broadway debut in a revival of "Best Foot Forward."
- During the early 1960's, appeared with her mother in concert.
- 1965 - Won the Tony Award for her performance in "Flora, The Red Menace."
- 1967-1972 - Married to singer/songwriter/pianist Peter Allen.
- 1969 - Received an Oscar nomination for her performance in "The Sterile Cuckoo."
- 1972 - Won the Academy Award for her best actress performance in "Cabaret."
- 1972 - Won an Emmy Award for her "Liza With A Z" TV special.
- Known in France as "La Petite Piaf Americaine."
- 1974-1979 - Married to Jack Haley Jr.
- Film appearances include "New York, New York"(1977), "Arthur" (1981) and "Steppin' Out"(1991).
- Famous for her beefy, nervous vibrato voice and huge doe eyes.
- During the 1980's, alcohol and drug related problems forced her to seek help at The Betty Ford Clinic.
- During the 1980's, toured with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.
- 1989 - Had a top ten British hit with "Losing My Mind" (with The Pet Shop Boys).
- Hits include "Maybe This Time"(1972), "Cabaret"(1972) and "New York, New York"(1977).
- (Dec. 1, 1945 – )
- Singer/comedienne/actress born in Paterson, New Jersey.
- Raised in Hawaii, she was the only Jewish girl in her school.
- Appeared in the show, "Fiddler On The Roof" for 3 years as a bit player.
- In the early 1970's, she began appearing regularly at The Continental Baths in New York City. It was a gay establishment where Midler perfected her outrageous act with Barry Manilow as her pianist/musical director.
- Famous for her nostalgia songs and campy patter, she developed a stage character known as "The Divine Miss M."
- 1972 - Signed to Atlantic Records.
- 1973 - Won the Best New Artist Grammy Award.
- Her backup vocal group, The Harlettes at times featured Melissa Manchester and Katy Segal.
- 1979 - Nominated for an Academy Award for her shattering performance in "The Rose."
- 1980 - Midler's heady concert film, "Divine Madness" was released.
- Film appearances include "Down And Out In Beverly Hills"(1986), "Ruthless People"(1986), "Outrageous Fortune"(1987), "Beaches" (1988), "Stella"(1990),"For The Boys"(1991) and "The First Wives Club"(1996).
- Dec., 31, 1999 - Appeared at a millenium concert in Las Vegas.
- Oct., 2000 - Debuted her TV sitcom, "Bette."
- Midler is one of the last truly versatile artists of the variety stage.
- Hits include "Do You Want To Dance"(Dec., 1972)#17, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"(May, 1973)#8, "Friends"(Sept., 1973)#40 (her trademark song), "The Rose"(March, 1980)#3, "Wind Beneath My Wings"(March, 1989)#1 and "From A Distance"(Oct., 1990)#2.
ALSO SEE
- Chapter 4: The Jazz Age
- Chapter 6: The Torch Singer
- Chapter 9: The Sing Era
- Chapter 12: The Musical - Stage And Film
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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