Rosemary Clooney: Multifaceted, Talented and Unforgettable

Her abilities as an actress and singer have transcended the boundaries of time; even young generations know about American popular vocalist Rosemary Clooney. She was born on May 23, 1928 in a location called Maysville, in Kentucky. Her parents were of Irish and German descent. Her childhood was not easy at all; she and her siblings had to move quite often due to her father’s alcoholism. However, Rosemary, her sister Betty, her brother Nick got involved in the entertainment business. Later on Nick’s son (George Clooney) became another member of this family who chose the artistic profession.

Rosemary first recorded a single with the big band of Tony Pastor in May 1946, for Columbia Records Company. She stood with this band until 1949, when she decided to become a soloist. Her record Come On-a My House was a big sensation and this was just the beginning of a bunch of hits she got through the years.

Her acting side began in 1954, when she starred in White Christmas, together with Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen and Bing Crosby. She was acclaimed by her skills by many colleagues, including Crosby. Clooney got married three times: two times to Jose Ferrer and once with Dante de Paolo. Though this period in Hollywood was short, she remained constant in the musical scene. Some of her most recognized singles are: “From This Moment On", “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” and “Tenderly”.

She always admired jazz and other musical stars, such as Frank Sinatra and Billy Holiday. Actually they influenced her career and she even met them and worked with them. Other special friends were always there during the good times and the bad times. Rosemary suffered from a bipolar disorder, due to drug abuse and nervous breakdowns. She was a heavy smoker too and she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001; she died on June 29, 2002; but the world will always remember her expressiveness and the way she timed her voice.