The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

. . . and on the other end of the vocal oddity spectrum is Kitty O'Connor, who was billed as the "girl baritone." I have a couple of her Columbia records. She could definitely "shout" with the best of them. I actually rather enjoy her voice.

CharliePhono wrote:the "girl baritone." I have a couple of her Columbia records. She could definitely "shout" with the best of them. I actually rather enjoy her voice.

Columbia recording artist Ruby Helder as well. Although I'm not sure I'd characterize her as a "shouter".

The guy in the original subject of the video / thread is really off putting to me. Like listening to Kate Smith being mildly electrocuted.

Columbia recording artist Ruby Helder as well. Although I'm not sure I'd characterize her as a "shouter".

The guy in the original subject of the video / thread is really off putting to me. Like listening to Kate Smith being mildly electrocuted.

I should correct myself - Ruby Helder was billed as "The Girl Tenor." She had a voice that might confused for male anyway, IMO.

Wolfe wrote:... Like listening to Kate Smith being mildly electrocuted.

as in? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6CtyY1EYLs

OrthoFan,
I differ...

??

Kate Smith had a lovely voice. No argument there.

Wolfe wrote:??

Kate Smith had a lovely voice. No argument there.

Some years ago, I listened to a radio program--I no longer remember which one--profiling the recorded career of Kate Smith. It was shortly after her death in 1986. They played the song I posted above, "Maybe, Who Knows," which the narrator claimed was her only attempt to record a "hot mamma" style number. They lambasted her attempt.

Personally, I like it, and my copy sounds very powerful on my 4-40.

OF

BTW, if you've never heard it, Kate's original rendition of her signature song appears here, with the pre-WWII introduction, as well as an added line that few have heard today -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1rKQReqJZg

I very much wish I could recall the name of a number the late Rich Conaty played by Kate Smith on his "Big Broadcast" program a couple of years back. It was a little-known recording (I presume) from the late 1920s. At first, I couldn't identify the vocalist, but was really taken with her singing style. It turned out it was Kate Smith, and -- trust me -- she had jazz chops when she was young. I was so taken by her style that I emailed Rich about it. I don't know when the "Songbird of the South" persona took shape, but she could totally "red hot mamma" a tune if she put her mind to it.

CharliePhono wrote:I very much wish I could recall the name of a number the late Rich Conaty played by Kate Smith on his "Big Broadcast" program a couple of years back. It was a little-known recording (I presume) from the late 1920s. At first, I couldn't identify the vocalist, but was really taken with her singing style. It turned out it was Kate Smith, and -- trust me -- she had jazz chops when she was young. I was so taken by her style that I emailed Rich about it. I don't know when the "Songbird of the South" persona took shape, but she could totally "red hot mamma" a tune if she put her mind to it.

Ummm... Rich is gone? When did THAT happen? Wondered why I hadn't seen any of his auctions in awhile. Damn.

Was it Kate with the Charleston Chasers... "One Sweet Letter From You", by chance?

gramophone-georg wrote:

CharliePhono wrote:I very much wish I could recall the name of a number the late Rich Conaty played by Kate Smith on his "Big Broadcast" program a couple of years back. It was a little-known recording (I presume) from the late 1920s. At first, I couldn't identify the vocalist, but was really taken with her singing style. It turned out it was Kate Smith, and -- trust me -- she had jazz chops when she was young. I was so taken by her style that I emailed Rich about it. I don't know when the "Songbird of the South" persona took shape, but she could totally "red hot mamma" a tune if she put her mind to it.

Ummm... Rich is gone? When did THAT happen? Wondered why I hadn't seen any of his auctions in awhile. Damn.

Was it Kate with the Charleston Chasers... "One Sweet Letter From You", by chance?

Yes, George, Rich passed in December of last year. Hit me like a ton of bricks (and many others who were fans of his show). I'd been a fairly regular listener to the "Big Broadcast" since the very early 90s, but his show had been on since *1973*. Quite a run.

It could possibly have been "One Sweet Letter." Just don't remember. I do remember commenting to him about it and that I had no idea she could sing jazz like that.