Today is Ethel Merman’s, American musical icon, 108th birthday. Her voice ruled Broadway from the 1930’s through the 1960’s. I’m sharing a few biographical pieces for my readers who appreciate our American artists–past and present.
Washington Post Obituary
Broadway Singing Star Ethel Merman Dies
Ethel Merman, 75, the Broadway musical comedy star who won the hearts of millions with her brass-bound voice and copper-plated determination to show the world that she could do anything better than anyone, was found dead yesterday at her apartment in New York City. Read more here…
Wikipedia Biography
Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman (January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American actress and singer.[1] Known primarily for her voice and roles in musical theatre, she has been called “the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage.”[2] Check out the full story here… en.wikipedia.org
Book Reviews on the Centenary of Ethel Merman’s Birth
They Say She Was Wonderful: Ethel Merman at 100
Merman, who could be strident in her disapproval of other singers, gargled champagne during the set. Merman would have been 100 years old on January 16, 2008. In casting a scholarly eye on Merman’s stage successes and celluloid frustrations, Flinn not infrequently yields to the uncritical chutzpah of a fangirl (the professor boasts of owning Merman’s 1979 disco album, which she delights in spinning for “unsuspecting” dinner guests). Read more here… slantmagazine.com
NPR Interview of Brian Drutman, Sr. Director of Decca Broadway
Novelty Reigns on Ethel Merman Revival CD
Merman had been a star for 20 years when these Decca songs were recorded. In 1950 and 1951, she recorded a series of singles for Decca Records that covered novelty tunes and hit songs of the day. Merman was known for her powerful voice, perfect pitch, and clear enunciation. Read more here… npr.org
One of Her Last Performances
Miss Merman was a success during a time period that had special challenges for women. From what some of her biographers reveal, her life, although successful, was not easy. Regardless of her personal challenges, she always gave her audience an outstanding performance. Her talent has placed her among the constellation of American legends, and her contributions to the arts are renowned. The following quote, I think succinctly captures her philosophy of life.
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Personal Musings to WINNING WOMEN on 09/14/2023.
