Nelson Eddy

21 thoughts about Nelson Eddy

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Nelson Eddy is deserving of a full biography page.Nelson was one of the most gifted American baritones of the early/mid Twentieth Century.He was known as "America`s Baritone". Nelson introduced film audiences to classical music and influenced them to seek careers in the performing arts. He was the highest payed singer in the world for fourteen years.He was one of the most beloved radio singers.On radio his reportoir include music from different genres.His concerts played to sold out audiences. He and his film partner Jeanette MacDonald provided escapism for movie audiences during the Great Depression. Nelson was a patriot who served his country by doing secret espionage work for the OSS during WW2. His nightclub act was one of the most popular. At the time of his death in 1967, his act was booked for two years ahead.
Lorraine Chandler

” — Lorraine Chandler, March 15, 2010 at 3:47 a.m.

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The 3 stars for Nelson Eddy indicate a large presence in Hollywood. Nelson for many years was the highest paid singer in the US, until Frank Sinatra forged ahead in 1943.He was also the #1 concert artist, as well as the top singer in radio during the 1930s. Nelson was the first successful crossover artist from Opera to pop. His first film Naughty Marietta with Jeanette MacDonald was a nominee for best picture in 1935. Their film Maytime was the largest money maker throughout the world in 1937. His relationship with MacDonald has caused controversy for many years, spawning books and bios. He has a street named after him in Hollywood Forever, the cemetery he rests in. A favorite quote of his "It is as a Concert Recitalist that i wish to Be Remembered"
And another famous quote upon seeing himself on screen for the first time
"Ain't he purty?" He was never a Hollywood insider, preferring live audiences, to film.Upon being asked what he would be if he could not be a singer==he answered "a writer or journalist" He has a brief career as a journalist in Philadelphia whil studing for the opera. in his last 15 years, he perfored in Supper clubs, as a top draw
in the 50s and 60s with his partner Gale Sherwood.He wrote all the comedy skits for the show. He parodied his movie music, joining in an hilarious take off on his most famous screen song "When I'm Calling You. He was an important and memorable performer in the classic age of films--the 1930s.

” — Christine Souter, March 15, 2010 at 8:51 a.m.

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Nelson Eddy first appeared in opera at the age of 22 in 1923 in Philadelphia. For the next 44 years, he appeared in concerts, radio,films, TV and nightclubs.
He was truly America's greatest baritone, a handsome New Englander 6' tall with blue eyes and blond hair, who sang opera, folk songs, spirituals, pop songs, and the classics His films with Jeanette MacDonald were among the most popular in Hollywood in the 1930s.
During WW2 he traveled to the middle east to entertain British and American troops stationed there.In 1945, he sang at FDR's Inaugural Ball.Now in the 21st century, he is still remembered by fans
who attended his films, concerts and radio shows, and a new group of fans who were born after his death.There are books about his life and a musical play "Scandalous Affair" currently playing on stage in the US.He lived in Los Angeles from 1933 to 1967, and is buried at Hollywood Forever. His 3 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for film, Radio and Music,should most certainly qualify him for a full and most interesting biography for your paper.
Ripley Mason

” — Ripley Mason, March 15, 2010 at 3:15 p.m.

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Nelson was a trained singer. His studies in the US eventually earned him a scholarship in Germany, at the end of which he was asked to remain as a baritone of note in Germany. But Nelson chose to return home, and give home his all. Soon Hollywood came calling. For his first movie, he was teamed up with Jeanette MacDonald, the lovely coloratura soprano. A perfect marriage of two voices took place.

The songs that Nelson Eddy and Jeantte MacDonald sung together were so beloved, the team came to be called "America's Singing Sweethearts". Their movies in the genre of operetta with a romantic touch became so dear, fans incessantly barraged MGM asking for more. MGM heard them and complied. and did not turn a deaf ear to the twinkle at the cash box either.

” — Miriam Paolella, March 15, 2010 at 5:02 p.m.

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Nelson Eddy was, along with Jeanette Macdonald the rock stars of that era,the darling duo was in America's heart-on screen and off
nelson eddy was America's own talented baritone who could sing anything from Waggner to the most popular ballads of the time.Along with Jeanette Macdonald they bridged the gap from opera to popular music,so anytown USA was exposed to this kind of beauty.Even today's lovely opera soprano,Renee Fleming was amazed at the range of the music he/ and they could master-so Nelson Eddy should be showcased more as an important part of our music and film industry,along of course with Jeanette Macdonald for exposing folks to the beauty of the opera and their glorious singing voices that we still enjoy so much today

” — bernadette schwartz, March 16, 2010 at 3:35 a.m.

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Nelson Eddy certainly deserves a whole page devoted to him. He was at one time the highest paid singer in the world who went on to make his mark in radio, concerts and movies.He was blond, very good looking and sang baritone. He began by teaching himself to sing by listening to records of the great opera stars. He progressed to singing opera and concerts. When his movie career ended he had a very popular night club act with his partner Gale Sherwood which at the time of his death was booked ahead for two years.
He made eight movies with Jeanette MacDonald and they became known as "America's Singing Sweethearts" Songs they sang are still very well known and remembered by millions.Besides movies with Miss MacDonald he also made solo movies that were very popular at the box office in the 30s and 40s. During the war years he helped the war effort by working for the secret service while entertaining the troops overseas.
Despite his having died at a far too early age he is still very popular and there are several fan clubs devoted to promoting him and his music and movies. He has three stars,two on Hollywood Boulevard, one for motion pictures, one for radio work and one on Vine for recording. Other stars on Hollywood Boulevard which have connections to Nelson are those of his movie partner Jeanette MacDonald and his favourite director Woody Van Dyke.Today his music is freely available thanks to modern tecniques and hopefully all his movies will soon be released on dvd.

” — Anne Billingsley, March 16, 2010 at 1:56 p.m.

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I grew up watching Nelson Eddy on video. My mother was a rabid Nelaon fan.She saw all his films, and once saw him at a concert.Her one regret, that she was never able to get close enough to touch him! But he was surrounded by police escorting him past his screaming fans.
She always believed he and Jeanette MacDonald were star crossed lovers.Now I believe with all the books written about them that this was true even though they were married to others.He really earned the 3 stars he has, and should have a 4th for his supper club career with Gale Sherwood.Many believe their relationship was also more than business! But all things considered, Nelson Eddy was one of the greatest American singers. He was also a promising opera singer, one of the highest rated radio stars, a recording and concert artist. as well as a film star. Thank you for offering this forum for our comments

” — Pandora Helms, March 18, 2010 at 8:37 a.m.

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Nelson Eddy, America's Baritone, sang everthing from opera to pop music, and the public loved it all.He was known for his clear enucialtion, believing his audience deserved to understand what he was singing. He urged American opera and classical singers to refrain from using phony European accents, referring to them as elitists.With a successful opera and concert career going well, he was given an opportunity to make films, fully intending to return to opera. That was not to be, because according to many, he fell in love with his singing partner Jeanette MacDonald. Their films were very successful making them America's Singing Sweethearts. With the war years, operettas, were no longer popular and Nelson continued with his popular concert tours, radio shows and recording career. In the last 15 years of his life, he and singing partner Gale Sherwood were among the most popular supper club entertainers.They were equally popular in Australia, and are fondly remembered there. He studied opera in Germany and France in the 1920s and wanted to visit Russia,but never made it.During WW2, he toured the middle east, entertaining the troups He sang in Russian as well as German, French, Italian, Spanish and Hebrew.
He clearly deserves all 3 of his stars.

” — Bailey leeds, March 20, 2010 at 2:14 p.m.

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When I was 10, Mr. Eddy gave a concert for the children at Lewistown, Montana.

From the time Mr. Eddy sang his first song, I was blown away. Everything he sang was was just mesmerizing. His voice was pure and the music came from his heart. It was clear that he felt the emotions of each melody, and he projected those feelings to the audience of children. He held nothing back. We could have been royalty and he would not have sung any better.

I have never forgotten that special concert, or the wonderful Nelson Eddy.

As an adult, I was priviliged to hear him twice again in concert, and he was just as wonderful.

I am 85 now, and will always be a life time fan!

” — Janelle Croeni, January 29, 2013 at 12:42 a.m.

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