Rosemary Clooney is one of the iconic singing stars of the 20th century. Rosie shines right up there with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Garland. Her early success at Columbia Records, under the direction of A&R chief Mitch Miller, however was with songs such as "Come On A My House" and "Mambo Italiano."
Sadly, many in my lecture audiences mention these very commercial pop recordings when I start to discuss Rosemary. She was so much more. My favorite comment: "Rosemary Clooney, an American musical treasure and one of the best friends a song ever had."
Many, forget that over her almost six decades of performing she did it all; vocalist with sister, Betty in Tony Pastor's band, Columbia recording star, movie star ("White Christmas" with her good friend, Bing Crosby), later in her career, jazz star for Concord Records, AND, what she was most proud of, mother of five (including my friend Monsita).
Listen to Rosemary Clooney sing the very beautiful "Tenderly." Many have recorded this now American Songbook standard, but Rosemary's version, to me, is so superior to the others.
No comments:
Post a Comment