Thursday, May 21, 2015

Radio Ladies of the 1920s and 1930s

    There isn't enough acknowledgment nor tribute paid to the tribe of radio entertainers of the 1920s and 1930s. Plenty to the 1940's and '50's, but I really don't care for radio from the post war times, myself. 
     So today, a quick post to bestow a bit of adulation to my favourite women of depression era radio. Respect to the entertaining men will follow at another time, of course.

     Firstly, I must mention Vaughn De Leath, whose real name is Leonore Vonderlieth (clever, eh!) because hers was one of the first voices to be heard on radio (if not the first lady). 
               
Vaughn De Leath started in radio bang on 1920 and only stopped a couple of years prior to her death in 1936.  It's so strange to me that she gained such popularity in her time but is now merely forgotten. Her fame was equal to that of Billy Murray of her time and Elvis Presley of our time. 
      My favourite song of hers is her "Is it Gonna Be Long, 'Till You Belong To Me?" 1928.

The next lady would have to be Jessica Dragonette because she's, without doubt, the one I idolize the most. 

 Jessica Dragonette did various shows and performances on the radio of the late 1920's and 1930's especially. I never get tired of listening to her. She was another that was really rather famous on the radio but quite forgotten today. Lets not forget her voice in the animated film, Gulliver's Travels!
   My favourite of hers is certainly her rendition of "Kiss Me Again" and "Love is The Sun." Perfect!


       Then there is lovely little Frances Langford. I just loved her in and got my first glimpse of her ages and ages ago in Broadway 'Melody of 1936.' She's been my singing influence and whom I resemble the most voice wise. I'll sing a tune for you with my Ukulele sometime, certainly!
                  
Frances Langford may not be known for radio but she did get her start as a result of it and we mustn't forget her appearance on the "Hollywood Hotel," Dick Powell's radio show until 1938 and her offer from Rudy Vallee to be one of his regulars on his radio show.
                  "You Are My Lucky Star" is the one I love the most of hers. Just love it!

    Last, but of course not least, is Marion Harris. While she did mostly recordings and stage appearances, she did do 1930's radio on NBC and also with Rudy Vallee.
     It was a real treat for me to see her in the Devil-May-Care 1929 picture. I'd only ever listened to her on my gramaphone and then to see her on the screen was amazing to me.  I suppose that may be how it was for a lot of people during her time, to put a face to the voice must've been something swell. In fact, most people thought she was a black lady because of style and sound of her voice. 

  I hope you enjoy! I love these ladies of radio of the 1920s and 1930s ever so dearly!

        

2 comments:

  1. Very well said! There are so many areas of the arts, sciences and entertainment fields where ladies of the last century still fail to get their dues or be held up in the ways that they deserve. Thank you for penning this post and giving some talented radio presenters more of a leg up on that front.

    ♥ Jessica

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