A Must for BETTY GRABLE fans
Tom McGee | 11/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Thank God for modern technology. Here you have recordings that otherwise, you would only be able to listen to and view from screenings. This collection covers almost all of her work at 20th Century Fox, as well as early RKO material. What a gem she was, and through these sound recordings that capture her magic, an appreciation of her talent, beauty, and humor live on forever. Plus, it gives the listener a wonderful segment of musical history as the times encompassed the style of music presented here. A style, much forgotten but so much fun to listen to and enjoy. A very important piece of American film musical history."
An excellent singer-actress
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 01/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Betty is remembered as an actress and pin-up, but her music is often overlooked. During the thirties and forties, Hollywood produced several singer-actresses, including Judy Garland, Alice Faye, Frances Langford and Dorothy Lamour. Betty may not have been absolutely the best singer among them, but she was still a fine singer whose music is well worth listening to.This comprehensive collection begins with six songs from the thirties, during which Betty was kept busy but never made it big. These are followed, in chronological order, with songs from the musicals that she is best remembered for - Down Argentine way. Tin pan alley, Moon over Miami, A yank in the RAF, Footlight serenade, Song of the islands, Springtime in the Rockies, Coney Island, Sweet Rosie O'Grady, Pin-up girl, Billy Rose's diamond horseshoe and The dolly sisters.Although these recordings were made during the period of the Great American Songbook, you won't find any classics here. Nevertheless, I find that the upbeat, fun music is very enjoyable to listen to, even though I haven't seen any of the movies from which the songs are taken. If you are familiar with Betty's work as an actress, I imagine that you will get even greater enjoyment from these superbly re-mastered recordings."
This CD proves beyond all doubt that Betty was a fine singer
Tom McGee | Glasgow, Scotland | 07/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An excellent example of the musical talents of Betty Grable, who was much underrated as a singer. Check out her lively duetting with Alice Faye from "Tin Pan Alley". Kindergarten Conga (from Moon Over Miami) is also a showstopper - you can practically 'see' her dancing! Also loved the touching I'm Always Chasing Rainbows (Dolly Sisters) and her wonderful version of Sing Me A Song of the Islands. A magical musical item and a must for all Grable fans, and those interested in the classic 20th CF musicals of the Forties."