 |
Frances Newbern LangfordAmerican singer, actress
Date of Birth: 04.04.1913
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Frances Langford: Legendary Singer and Actress of the Golden Age
- Rise to Stardom in Radio and Film
- USO Tours and Wartime Contributions
- Post-War Career and Personal Life
- Legacy and Honors
Frances Langford: Legendary Singer and Actress of the Golden Age
Early Life and Career AspirationsFrances Langford, born Julia Frances Newbern Langford, embarked on her artistic journey in Lakeland, Florida. Aspiring to become an opera singer, she diligently trained her voice. However, a significant throat surgery altered her vocal style, rendering her more suited to contemporary music genres.
Rise to Stardom in Radio and Film
In the early 1930s, Langford's radio performances caught the attention of Rudy Vallée, who invited her to join his show. She subsequently joined Dick Powell's radio program from 1935 to 1938. In 1935, Langford made her cinematic debut in "Every Night at Eight," where she introduced her signature song, "I'm in the Mood for Love."
Langford's film career flourished with notable roles in "Broadway Melody of 1936," "Born to Dance," and "Yankee Doodle Dandy" with James Cagney, where she performed the iconic "Over There." She frequently portrayed herself in her films, notably in "The Glenn Miller Story."
USO Tours and Wartime Contributions
From 1941 onwards, Langford became a regular performer on Bob Hope's radio shows. During World War II, she joined Hope, Jerry Colonna, and other USO entertainers on concert tours throughout Europe, North Africa, and the South Pacific, bringing laughter and morale to American troops worldwide.
Bob Hope praised Langford's ability to elicit unprecedented laughter in his memoir, "Don't Shoot! It's Only Me!" Langford also wrote a weekly column for Hearst Newspapers titled "Purple Heart Diary," sharing her experiences visiting wounded soldiers and amplifying their voices to the public.
Post-War Career and Personal Life
In the late 1940s, Langford joined Spike Jones' show and briefly appeared in DuMont's variety program "Star Time." She later launched "The Frances Langford/Don Ameche Show" with Don Ameche, a continuation of the radio comedy "The Bickersons," where they portrayed a perpetually bickering couple. Langford also hosted the NBC variety show "Frances Langford Presents" for one season.
Langford married three times, first to actor Jon Hall from 1934 to 1955. In 1995, she married businessman Ralph Evinrude, remaining together until his passing in 1986. In 1994, Langford met Harold Stuart, an assistant secretary of the Air Force under President Truman.
Legacy and Honors
Frances Langford passed away at the age of 92 due to heart failure. Her contributions to radio and film left an enduring legacy, and she was recognized with several honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
