By William “Skip” Deegans
When our parents and grandparents went to a dance at the Ronceverte Armory on March 9, 1948, most likely they didn’t have an inkling they would hear a young woman who would become one of Americans greatest vocalists: Rosemary Clooney. Playing in the armory was Tony Pastor and his 18-piece band, including two outstanding musicians, Henry Riggs on Drums and Stubby Pastor playing the trumpet. Providing vocals were the Clooney Sisters – Rosemary and Betty.
Tony Pastor is credited with discovering Rosemary Clooney. In 1945, the Clooney Sisters (who had grown up in poor circumstances in Maysville, Kentucky) appeared at an open audition on Cincinnati’s radio station WLW. They won a spot on the station, and Pastor heard them on a trip through Ohio. That same year they joined Pastor’s band. In 1949, the band and the Clooney Sisters recorded “A, You’re Adorable” that became a hit.
The sisters split up. After a brief run as a singer, Betty became a television personality. In 1951, Rosemary recorded “Come On A My House” for Columbia Records. It was her first big hit with many more to follow. In addition to a successful recording career, she performed in movies and on television. Her most memorable movie is probably White Christmas with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Vera-Ellen. A heavy smoker, Rosemary died from lung cancer in 2002. Her nephew is the Academy Award winning actor George Clooney.
Photo: Circa 1954 from Wikimedia.
Sources: The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Daily Telegraph, Songwriters Hall of Fame.
