# Rosemary Clooney

> American singer and actress (1928–2002)

**Wikidata**: [Q466508](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q466508)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary_Clooney)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rosemary-clooney

## Summary
Rosemary Clooney (1928–2002) was an American singer and actress best known for her contributions to popular music and film during the mid-20th century. She achieved fame as a vocalist in the swing and jazz genres and later became a respected interpreter of film scores and traditional pop standards.

## Biography
- Born: May 23, 1928, in Maysville, Kentucky, United States  
- Nationality: American  
- Education: Attended Villa Madonna Academy, Covington, KY; Notre Dame Academy, Cincinnati, OH; studied at St. Lawrence College and Mount Saint Joseph Academy  
- Known for: Pioneering contributions to American popular music, particularly in the genres of swing, jazz, and traditional pop; appearances in film and television  
- Employer(s):  
  - Record labels: Columbia Records, Decca, MGM Records, RCA Records, Philips Records, Concord Jazz  
  - Studios: RKO, Universal Pictures, various television productions  
- Field(s): Music, Jazz, Acting, Pop Culture, Film Scoring  

## Contributions
Rosemary Clooney was a foundational figure in American popular music and entertainment, contributing significantly to the development of vocal jazz and traditional pop music. Her career spanned over five decades, during which she recorded with major labels, performed in films, and appeared on television. Key contributions include:

- **Recordings and Albums**:  
  - Signed to Columbia Records in the 1950s, where she released early hits such as "Come On-a My House" (1951) and "Mambo Italiano" (1951), both of which became iconic.  
  - Later recorded with Decca, RCA, and Concord Jazz, producing albums such as *Rosemary Clooney Sings the Last Time I Saw Paris* (1996) and *The Songs of Jimmy Van Heusen* (1997).  
  - Her work with Concord Jazz in the 1990s revitalized her career and introduced her to a new generation of listeners.  

- **Film Career**:  
  - Starred in *The Stars Are Singing* (1952), a musical film featuring her performance of "Come On-a My House."  
  - Appeared in *White Christmas* (1954), where she performed "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" with Bing Crosby.  
  - Collaborated with major studios including RKO and Universal Pictures.  

- **Television Appearances**:  
  - Regular appearances on *The Rosemary Clooney Show* (1952–1953), a variety show that featured musical guests and comedy sketches.  
  - Guest roles on *The Dinah Shore Chevy Show*, *The Ed Sullivan Show*, and *The Jack Benny Program*.  

- **Songwriting and Autobiography**:  
  - Authored *This for Remembrance* (1999), a memoir detailing her life, career, and struggles with mental health.  
  - Contributed to the songwriting of several of her performances, including "Hey There" and "Half as Much."  

## FAQs
**What genres did Rosemary Clooney perform in?**  
Clooney performed primarily in swing, jazz, and traditional pop music. She also dabbled in film scoring and occasionally performed in musical theater and country styles.

**What record labels did Rosemary Clooney work with?**  
She recorded with Columbia Records, Decca, RCA Records, MGM Records, Philips Records, and Concord Jazz. Each label contributed to different phases of her musical evolution.

**What films did Rosemary Clooney appear in?**  
She starred in *The Stars Are Singing* (1952) and *White Christmas* (1954), among others. Her filmography includes both musicals and dramatic roles.

**Did Rosemary Clooney write any books?**  
Yes, she authored *This for Remembrance* (1999), a personal memoir that detailed her life, career, and mental health journey.

**What awards did Rosemary Clooney receive?**  
She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

**What was Rosemary Clooney's impact on music and culture?**  
Clooney helped preserve and popularize American swing and jazz traditions, influencing later generations of vocalists and performers. Her interpretations of classic songs remain benchmarks in American music.

## Why They Matter
Rosemary Clooney’s contributions to American music and entertainment are foundational. As a vocalist, she bridged the gap between the big band era and the rise of pop music, ensuring the survival of swing and jazz into the modern age. Her performances influenced countless artists and helped shape the sound of American popular music. Clooney’s film and television work also contributed to the cultural fabric of mid-century America, making her a household name. Her legacy continues to inspire performers and musicologists alike.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the American vocal jazz and swing revival in the 1950s  
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient (2001)  
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame  
- Performer of iconic songs like "Mambo Italiano" and "Come On-a My House"  
- Television host of *The Rosemary Clooney Show* (1952–1953)  
- Film appearances in *White Christmas* and *The Stars Are Singing*  
- Memoirist and autobiographer with *This for Remembrance*  
- Collaborations with major record labels including Columbia, Decca, RCA, and Concord Jazz  
- Longevity in the music industry, spanning over five decades  
- Cultural ambassador for American music and jazz traditions  

## Body

### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Rosemary Clooney was born on May 23, 1928, in Maysville, Kentucky. She was raised in a musical family and began performing in local radio shows in the 1940s. Her early education included attendance at Villa Madonna Academy, Notre Dame Academy, and St. Lawrence College. Clooney’s first major break came when she was signed by Columbia Records in 1950, launching her into the national spotlight.

### Musical Career and Recordings
Clooney’s career in music began with her signing to Columbia Records, where she recorded hits like "Come On-a My House" (1951) and "Mambo Italiano" (1951). These songs became defining moments of her early career and helped establish her as a leading figure in American popular music. She later recorded with Decca, RCA, and Concord Jazz, producing a string of successful albums that spanned genres from jazz to pop.

In the 1990s, Clooney experienced a career renaissance with Concord Jazz, releasing albums such as *Dedicated to the 50s* (1993) and *The Songs of Jimmy Van Heusen* (1997). Her interpretations of classic American standards helped introduce her work to a new generation.

### Film and Television
Clooney’s film career began in the early 1950s with appearances in musicals such as *The Stars Are Singing* (1952) and *White Christmas* (1954). In *White Christmas*, she performed alongside Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, contributing to the film’s iconic status. Her role in *The Opposite Sex* (1956) marked a brief foray into dramatic acting.

On television, she hosted *The Rosemary Clooney Show* from 1952 to 1953, a variety program that featured musical guests and comedy sketches. She also made guest appearances on *The Dinah Shore Chevy Show*, *The Ed Sullivan Show*, and *The Jack Benny Program*, solidifying her status as a household name.

### Personal Life and Memoir
Clooney’s personal life was marked by both triumph and struggle. She faced mental health challenges in the 1960s, leading to a temporary retreat from the public eye. Her memoir, *This for Remembrance* (1999), detailed her journey through these challenges and her eventual return to music.

### Legacy and Influence
Rosemary Clooney’s influence on American music and culture is immeasurable. Her work helped preserve the legacy of swing and jazz, genres that were at risk of fading from public consciousness. She influenced a generation of performers and helped shape the sound of American popular music. Her contributions continue to resonate in the work of contemporary artists and musicologists.

### Awards and Recognition
Clooney received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001, recognizing her enduring impact on music. She was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, commemorating her contributions to film and television. Her legacy is preserved in the Rosemary Clooney Foundation, which supports music education and performance.

### Recordings and Discography
Clooney’s discography includes over 300 recordings, spanning from her early days at Columbia to her later work with Concord Jazz. Her albums include *Rosemary Clooney Sings the Last Time I Saw Paris* (1996) and *The Songs of Jimmy Van Heusen* (1997). These works showcase her versatility and enduring appeal.

### Cultural Impact
Rosemary Clooney’s career reflects the evolution of American popular music. Her interpretations of classic songs and her influence on later performers make her a pivotal figure in 20th-century entertainment. Her work continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide, ensuring her place in the pantheon of American music.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
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17. [Source](https://www.rtl.fr/culture/medias-people/george-clooney-j-ai-passe-ma-vie-a-etre-surveille-7900039050)
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