| Ethel Merman was the leading American musical theater performer of her generation, creating roles in 13 Broadway musicals between 1930 and 1959, and continuing to appear in shows occasionally through 1970. Her clarion voice and exact enunciation were perfect for an era when a stage performer was required to sing loud enough to be heard at the back of the theater without amplification. That made her a favorite of the leading songwriters of the day, and she introduced some of the most memorable songs of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin. Her Broadway stardom at a time when the musical theater was a major source for popular music nationally afforded her opportunities in other areas of entertainment including personal appearances, records, movies, radio, and television. But her real home was on the Broadway stage, and that's where she spent the bulk of her time for 40 years. By 1979 the 71 year old Merm was nearing the end of a long life and career. Sadly she chose to record an album, of songs she originally introduced to the public, in a discotized fashion. "There's No Business Like Show Business" was released to mixed reviews, the 12" did received minimal club play. Oddly enough the album has been re-issued on compact disc in the new millenium. |
