ROSEMARY CLOONEY

Biography

Rosemary Clooney was born on May 23, 1928, in Maysville, Kentucky, and rose from a challenging childhood to become one of America's most beloved vocalists. She began her career singing duets with her younger sister Betty on Cincinnati radio in the mid-1940s, which led to touring with Tony Pastor's big band. By 1949, Clooney struck out as a solo artist in New York, quickly signing with Columbia Records. Her 1951 recording of 'Come On-a My House' became a major hit, launching a series of pop and novelty songs such as 'Mambo Italiano,' 'Tenderly,' and 'Hey There,' while also establishing her as a versatile interpreter of jazz and ballads.[1][4][6][7]

Clooney's style was marked by a warm, rich voice and an unpretentious delivery, making her a favorite among both pop and jazz audiences. She appeared in films, most notably 'White Christmas' (1954), and hosted her own television variety show. After facing personal and professional setbacks in the 1960s, including struggles with mental health, Clooney made a celebrated comeback in the late 1970s, focusing on jazz standards and recording acclaimed albums for Concord Jazz. Her later work was noted for its emotional depth and interpretive maturity, and she continued to perform and record until her death in 2002. Clooney's legacy endures as a bridge between the big band era and modern vocal jazz, and she was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.[1][4][7]

Clooney's influence extended beyond her own recordings; she was admired for her impeccable timing, phrasing, and ability to convey both joy and heartbreak. She worked with legendary arrangers and musicians, and her interpretations of the American Songbook remain benchmarks for vocalists today.[1][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Rosemary Clooney was the aunt of actor George Clooney and mother of actor Miguel Ferrer.[1][4]
• She starred alongside Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye in the classic holiday film 'White Christmas' (1954).[4][7]
• Clooney recorded the jazz album 'Blue Rose' with Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, which was groundbreaking for its time as it was recorded with Ellington's band while Clooney was in a different city, using overdubbing technology.[1][4]
• She published two autobiographies: 'This for Remembrance' (1977) and 'Girl Singer' (1999).[1]

Associated Acts

• Barney Rapp and His Orchestra
• Tony Pastor & His Orchestra
• Clooney Sisters
• Helen O'Connell, Rosemary Clooney, Rose Marie, Margaret Whiting

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tony Pastor - Bandleader who gave Clooney her first major professional opportunity, hiring her and her sister to sing with his orchestra. (Touring and recordings with Tony Pastor's band) [1945–1949]
• Bing Crosby - Friend and mentor who helped revive Clooney's career by inviting her to perform with him in 1977. (Concerts and television specials, including Crosby's 50th anniversary show) [1977]

Key Collaborators

• Betty Clooney - Younger sister and original duet partner; performed as The Clooney Sisters. (WLW Radio duets, Tony Pastor's band) [1945–1948]
• Duke Ellington - Jazz legend with whom Clooney recorded the album 'Blue Rose.' (Blue Rose (album)) [1956]
• Billy Strayhorn - Arranger and pianist; collaborated on the 'Blue Rose' album. (Blue Rose (album)) [1956]
• Bing Crosby - Frequent collaborator in concerts and television appearances, especially later in her career. (Live performances, TV specials) [1950s, 1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Diana Krall - Cites Clooney as an influence on her approach to jazz vocals and phrasing. (Interpretations of American Songbook standards) [1990s–present]
• Linda Ronstadt - Inspired by Clooney's jazz and pop crossover style, especially in her own standards albums. (What's New (album), other standards albums) [1980s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Mambo Italiano (with The Mellomen) - 78rpm Version (The Essential Rosemary Clooney)
2. In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening (with Harry James & Harry James' Orchestra) (The Essential Rosemary Clooney)
3. You Make Me Feel so Young (The Essential Rosemary Clooney)
4. Come On-A My House (The Essential Rosemary Clooney)
5. Sway (with Pérez Prado y Su Orquesta)
6. I've Got You Under My Skin (Sings The Music Of Cole Porter)
7. Snow (with Percy Faith & His Orchestra) (Irving Berlin's "White Christmas")
8. Botch-A-Me (Ba-Ba-Baciami Piccina) (The Essential Rosemary Clooney)
9. Blame It On My Youth (with Paul Weston & His Orchestra) (The Essential Rosemary Clooney)
10. Tenderly (I Feel a Song Coming On: Lost Radio Recordings)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

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