Richard Rodgers collection of musicals and interviews [sound recording] 1926-1980

Shore, Dinah, 1917-1994

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6kj1dcw (person)

Dinah Shore (born Frances Rose Shore; February 29, 1916 – February 24, 1994) was an American singer, actress, and television personality, and the top-charting female vocalist of the 1940s. She rose to prominence as a recording artist during the Big Band era. She achieved even greater success a decade later, in television, mainly as the host of a series of variety programs for the Chevrolet automobile company. ...

Berlin, Irving, 1888-1989

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6sg3n6g (person)

Irving Berlin (1888-1989), a writer and composer of popular songs, wrote "I Like Ike", which was used by Eisenhower's staff during the 1952 presidential campaign. Eisenhower presented Berlin with a special gold medal from the U.S. Congress in 1955 in recognition of his patriotic and popular songs. ...

Rodgers, Richard, 1902-1979

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w69h6cvt (person)

Richard Rodgers, composer and producer, was born in New York on June 28, 1902. He composed his first song, My Auto Show Girl when he was fourteen years old. (This is included in the collection Box 16, Folder 6) In 1918 Rodgers met his first professional partner, Lorenz Hart. Together they presented their first hit show, The Garrick Gaieties in 1925. In 1929 Rodgers and Hart appeared in a two-reel autobiographical short, Masters of Melodyproduced by Paramount-Famous-Lasky Corp. and written and di...

Hammerstein, Oscar, II, 1895-1960

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6vf7qf7 (person)

Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist, librettist, theatrical producer. He is best known for his collaborations with composer Richard Rodgers, whose musicals include Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music....

Garland, Judy, 1922-1969

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w60686zz (person)

The child of two vaudeville performers, Judy Garland (born Frances Ethel Gumm) began her show business career at the age of 2 years old when she joined her two older sisters in an act called "The Gumm Sisters" and continued to work singing and acting for the rest of her life in vaudeville, radio, theatre, motion pictures and television. Although best known as the star of "The Wizard of Oz", for which she received a special Academy Award, she went on to star in thirty-three films and her own tele...

Crosby, Bing, 1903-1977

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6jf5ncz (person)

American singer. From the description of Bing Crosby letter to Harry Ruby, 1964 Feb. 22. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 716080707 From the description of Bing Crosby autograph letter to Joe Roddy, undated. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 716080729 From the description of Bing Crosby letter to Look magazine, 1944 July 14. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 716080749 Although Bing Crosby studied law at Gonzaga University in Spokane, he was more interested in playi...

Kostelanetz, André, 1901-1980

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6c64bfs (person)

André Kostelanetz (1901-1980) was born in Russia and studied in Petrograd before coming to the USA. He became a successful conductor and arranger, and in 1930 was engaged as conductor for the CBS radio network, beginning a long association with broadcasting and film work. He is credited with popularizing classical music. He made many successful arrangements of light music, using heavily concentrated instrumental sonorities, and his orchestrations had a direct influence on film music of the time...

Reiner, Fritz, 1888-1963

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6w77bc1 (person)

Robert Russell Bennett was an American composer, orchestrator and conductor. From the guide to the Robert Russell Bennett papers, 1911-1981, (Music Library) Reiner was born in Budapest in 1888. He graduated from the Budapest Academy of Music in 1908 where he studied with Bela Bartok. Various conducting and directing appointments followed in Budapest and in Dresden, including that of chief conductor of the Royal Opera House in Dresden for 1914-1922. An acquaintan...

Lombardo, Guy

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Davis, Sammy, Jr., 1925-1990

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w67n10bd (person)

Samuel George Davis Jr. (December 8, 1925 – May 16, 1990) was an American singer, dancer, actor, vaudevillian and comedian who has been called "the greatest entertainer ever to grace a stage in these United States." At age three, Davis began his career in vaudeville with his father Sammy Davis Sr. and the Will Mastin Trio, which toured nationally. After military service, he returned to the trio and became an overnight sensation following a nightclub performance at Ciro's (in West Hollywood) afte...

Como, Perry, 1912-2001

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w67n1072 (person)

Big Band singer; radio/television singer and musical program host. From the description of The Perry Como Collection, 1955-1994. (Denver Public Library). WorldCat record id: 49291739 ...

Allen, Steve, 1921-2000

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6wx87r0 (person)

A radio and television performer, actor, composer, pianist, and singer. From the description of [Papers] / Steve Allen. 1956-1973. (Bowling Green State University). WorldCat record id: 14228108 Renowned American comedian, composer, lyricist, musician, television pioneer, performer, and author. From the description of Steve Allen papers, 1951-2000. (Scottsdale Public Library). WorldCat record id: 49244609 Steve Allen (1921-2000), comedian, co...

Burns, George, 1896-1996

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6kx661m (person)

Epithet: Lieutenant; of the 45th Regt of Foot British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000001030.0x0001e1 ...

Henderson, Skitch, 1918-2005

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6b0088t (person)

Conductor, pianist, composer and arranger. From the description of Typewritten letter signed, dated : New York, N.Y., to Mr. Harrie W. Johnston, 1967 Sept. 8. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270914781 ...

Langford, Frances

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6d83mmz (person)

Drake, Alfred, 1914-1992

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6xp8881 (person)

Epithet: né Alfred Capurro; actor and singer British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000472.0x0003b6 ...

De Mille, Agnes

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6tc38xm (person)

Agnes George de Mille was born in New York City, September 18, 1905, daughter of film producer, William de Mille and Anna (George) de Mille, daughter of economist Henry George. When Agnes was nine years old the family moved to Hollywood where her uncle, Cecil B. de Mille, was a motion picture director. Agnes entered university at age sixteen graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in English. Although she began dancing in her early teens, it was not ...

Martin, Mary, 1913-1990

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6cr5vhs (person)

Vallée, Rudy 1901-1986

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6wh30f1 (person)

Bandleader, singer, saxophonist, actor, and publisher. From the description of Autograph card signed : [n.p.], [197-?]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270913282 Rudy Vallee was one of the most popular vocalists of the pre-swing era. With his megaphone and nasal voice, he will forever be remembered as the archetypal image of the early crooners. Born in Island Pond, Vermont, in 1901, Hubert Prior Vallee grew up in Westbrook, Maine, where he played drums in his high school band...

Walter, Cy, 1915-1968

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6737v4t (person)

Benny, Jack, 1894-1974.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6b5785v (person)

Jack Benny (1894-1974) was an American vaudeville, radio, television and film actor. Born Benjamin Kubelsky in Waukegan, Illinois, Benny first honed his talents as a comedian on the vaudeville stage, then found that his style was uniquely adapted to the new medium of radio, where he became a national celebrity with his Jack Benny Show (1943-1958). His wife, Mary Livingstone, often starred on the Jack Benny Show. Benny took his show to television and continued to appear in his own show, in specia...

Jones, Allan, 1907-1992

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6nw0mtw (person)

Whiting, Margaret

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6xn0sgj (person)

Waring, Fred, 1900-1984

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w64x56n8 (person)

Choral conductor and showman. From the description of Typewritten letter signed : New York, N.Y., to Robley Durham Stevens, 1938 May 2. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270920972 Music composer, arranger, conductor, and performer. From the description of Fred Waring scrapbooks, 1922-1984. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 57482118 From the description of Fred Waring broadcasts, 1933-1957. (Pennsylvania State University Librarie...

Heatherton, Ray

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6wm1phg (person)

Stevens, Risë (1913-2013).

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w60r9nb5 (person)

American mezzo-soprano. From the description of Interview conducted by Oliver Daniel, July 12, 1978 [sound recording]. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 155861600 American mezzo soprano. From the description of Typewritten letter signed, dated : [n.p.], 2 January 1962, to Mr. [Joseph] Chouinard, 1962 Jan. 2. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270962262 Risë Stevens, 1913-2013 Risë Stevens was born in New York...

Marx, Groucho, 1890-1977

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w60g3vws (person)

Humorist and actor. Real name: Julius Henry Marx. From the description of Groucho Marx papers, 1930-1967 (bulk 1950-1965). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70982543 Biographical Note 1890, Oct. 2 Born Julius Henry Marx, New York, N.Y. 1920 Married Ruth Johnson (divorced 1942) ...

Keller, Greta.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w68j1cg1 (person)

Cagney, James, 1899-1986

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6tt5crv (person)

Actor. From the description of Reminiscences of James Cagney : oral history, 1958. (Columbia University In the City of New York). WorldCat record id: 122573987 Harlan Ware (1902-1967) (whose full name was William Harlan Ware) was born in Lakota, North Dakota, and educated in the public schools of Winnetka, Illinois. He was a police reporter for the City News Bureau in Chicago. He wrote novels, plays, and radio scripts. His best-known scripts are for the radio programs "The B...

Powell, Jane, 1929-....

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w61n8qr8 (person)

Jane Powell (Suzanne Burce) (b. 1929) was an actress, singer who began her career in 1943 at the age of 13. An appearance was arranged for the young singer on the radio network broadcast of Hollywood Showcase, and about a week later her screen test for MGM was pronounced a success -- Suzanne Burce became Jane Powell. She was under contract with Metro-Goldwyn Mayer to 1957. Motion pictures in which she performed include "Holiday in Mexico," "Royal Wedding," "Athena," "Seven Brides for Seven Broth...

Streater, Ted

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6d63k17 (person)

Rooney, Mickey

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6hm65fv (person)

Lawrence, Steve, 1935-

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w625524p (person)

Jolson, Al, 1886-1950

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6hm66sr (person)

Composer. From the description of Autograph note signed : [New York], to Irene [Gallagher], 1921 Jan. 4. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270914110 Although many people view Al Jolson as little more than a singer of long ago, the voice of "The Jazz Singer", the first full-length 'talking movie", he was known as The World's Greatest Entertainer, a superstar before the word was coined, a man whose musical heritage created much of the entertainment industry we know today. His car...

Clark, Buddy, 1929-

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6r23r85 (person)

Kaye, Danny

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6554qt2 (person)

Biographical Note 1913, Jan. 18 David Daniel Kaminiski born, Brooklyn, New York First native-born American and youngest of three sons born to Clara and Jacob Kaminiski, both originally from the Ukraine 1913, Aug. 29 Sylvia Fine born, Brookly...

Hart, Lorenz, 1895-1943

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6x34z1s (person)

Melton, James, 1904-1961

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6cr63xf (person)

James Melton, 1904-1961, was a professional vocalist, a popular tenor whose career in radio, television, concert, opera, and motion pictures extended from the late 1920s through the 1950s. He began in radio with NBC in "Roxy's Gang" in 1927. He toured Europe with the Reveler's Quartet and in 1934 toured 28 cities with George Gershwin. His operatic debute was in 1938 as Pinkerton in "Madam Butterfly". In the 1940s he was a leading tenor on network shows such as "Texaco Star Theater", "The Telepho...

Day, Doris, 1924-

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w67m1c4x (person)

Traubel, Helen

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6377twd (person)

Murray, Wyn

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6p114bw (person)

Faith, Percy

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w65f245h (person)

Berle, Milton

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Verrett, Shirley

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6bz6wjs (person)

Shirley Verrett is an African-American mezzo-soprano and soprano ; Marian Anderson was an African-American contralto. From the description of Notes for speech at Historic Landmarks Preservation Center's Cultural Medallion Ceremony to honor Marian Anderson, 1996 May 14. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122687166 From the guide to the Notes for speech at Historic Landmarks Preservation Center's Cultural Medallion Ceremony to honor Marian Anderson, 1996 May 14, (T...

Paul, Les

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w62d1r4v (person)

Wright, Martha

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Fitzgerald, Ella, 1917-1996

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6h23r0d (person)

Ella Fitzgerald (b. April 25, 1917, Newport News, VA–d. June 15, 1996, Beverly Hills, CA) was an American jazz singer often referred to as the First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella. She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. After tumultuous teenage years, Fitzgerald found stability in musical success with the Chick Webb Orchestra, performing across the country, but...

La Rosa, Julius

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6x47r9c (person)

Coward, Noël, 1899-1973

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6668c61 (person)

English composer, writer, actor, and producer. From the description of Signature on his visiting card, dated : [n.p., n.d.], [n.d.]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270899310 Badger's Green opened Jun. 12, 1930. From the description of Letter [1930] Jun. 20 [London] to Maurice Browne [London] (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34365183 English actor and author. From the description of The Birth of Hope : autograph manuscript signed ...

Forrest, Helen

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6dj6j90 (person)

Tormé, Mel, 1925-1999

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w62f8rsc (person)

Bailey, Pearl

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6w21770 (person)

Bauer, Franklyn

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w68s5std (person)

Dickey, Annamary

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6pz6cpg (person)

Arden, Victor, 1893-1962

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6kh1rg1 (person)

Littler, Emile

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6rf6xgv (person)

Eddy, Nelson, 1901-1967

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6df76wt (person)

Fisher, Eddie

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6pq1jsk (person)

Chevalier, Maurice, 1888-1972

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6np2h68 (person)

Epithet: of Add MS 39101 British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000987.0x000371 ...

Steber, Eleanor, 1914-1990

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w65m64h7 (person)

Eleanor Steber was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on July 17, 1914. She was the daughter of William Charles Steber, Sr. (1888–1966) and Ida Amelia (née Nolte) Steber (1885–1985). She had two younger siblings – William Charles Steber, Jr. (1917–2002) and Lucile Steber Leslie (1918–1999). She made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1940 and was one of its leading artists through 1961. She was known for her large, flexible silvery voice, particularly in the high-lying soprano roles of Richard ...

Lillie, Beatrice, 1894-1989

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6cz3cz4 (person)

Beatrice Lillie, stage star, was born in Toronto, Canada on May 29, 1894. Her first appearances on stage were in 1914 in Canada and in England in musical revues. She made her Broadway debut in Andre Charlot's Revue of 1924 . Miss Lillie's most notable Broadway performances were in The Seven Lively Arts, Inside U. S. A., Ziegfeld Follies of 1957 and High Spirits . She toured the world in An Evening with Beatrice Lillie from 1952 to 1956. Miss Lillie appeared in films and on television. She marrie...

Jolson, Al, 1886-1950

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6hm66sr (person)

Composer. From the description of Autograph note signed : [New York], to Irene [Gallagher], 1921 Jan. 4. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270914110 Although many people view Al Jolson as little more than a singer of long ago, the voice of "The Jazz Singer", the first full-length 'talking movie", he was known as The World's Greatest Entertainer, a superstar before the word was coined, a man whose musical heritage created much of the entertainment industry we know today. His car...

Ameche, Don

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w60k332z (person)

Peerce, Jan

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6252m7h (person)

Jan Peerce (1904-1984) was a noted American tenor. He was born on Jun. 3, 1904 and died on Dec. 15, 1984 in New York. He was engaged as a singer at Radio City Music Hall in 1932, and made his operatic debut in Philadelphia as the Duke in Rigoletto on May 14, 1938. His Metropolitan Opera debut was on Nov. 29, 1941, as Alfredo in La traviata . In addition to opera, he also sang musical theater, most notably in Fiddler on the Roof, and Jewish religious and secular music. His final appearance at the...

Sinatra, Frank

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6nm444w (person)

The son of italian immigrants, Frank Sinatra began singing and doing impersonations in school which led to his future career as singer with the Hoboken Four in 1935. The quartet broke up in 1936 and Frank started working his way through the music industry until he finally got his big break in 1940. He would become one of Hollywood's leading men for the next two decades and a constant music hall draw after that until very close to the day he died in 1998. (Adapted from the Official Sinatra Family...