Valerian Rosing (1910–1969), also known after 1938 as
Gilbert Russell, was a British dance band singer who had a light baritone
voice, with a pronounced vibrato, best known as the vocalist with the BBC Dance
Orchestra directed by Henry Hall.
Rosing was the son of Russian tenor Vladimir Rosing and
English singer Marie Falle. He was born 21 February, 1910 in Amerley, London
and educated at Westminister School and Pembroke College, Oxford. Atone time Val
thought of becoming a lawyer, but while on a visit to America where his father
was directing an opera company, he decided that he preferred the footlights.
For some time before becoming a band singer, he toured the music halls with his
own act playing various musical instruments.
Rosing sang on the original BBC recording of Teddy Bears'
Picnic as well as In a Little Gypsy Tea Room. He also sang on the Ray Noble
Orchestra's version of Try a Little Tenderness, the first recording of this
well-covered song. Rosing recorded more than
one hundred sides with various English bands, including Spike
Hughes and His Decca-Dents, the Jack Payne Orchestra, Jack Orchestra, Rosing's own Radio Rhythm Rascals and a larger group called his Swing Stars, which also included two guitarists.
one hundred sides with various English bands, including Spike
Hughes and His Decca-Dents, the Jack Payne Orchestra, Jack Orchestra, Rosing's own Radio Rhythm Rascals and a larger group called his Swing Stars, which also included two guitarists.
In 1938, Rosing moved to America at the urging of Louis
B. Mayer, who renamed him "Gilbert Russell", with hopes of making
Rosing the "English Bing Crosby". His years at MGM were uneventful
and, after his stint with the studio, Rosing sang and acted in musicals and
light operas around the country. Making the transition from pop to
"legitimate" singer, Rosing legally changed his name to Gilbert
Russell and sang in the Chicago Theatre of the Air, the NY Opera Company, and
the San Francisco Opera.
In the 1960s, Rosing worked as one of Hollywood's top
vocal coaches. Among his pupils were Shirley Jones, George Chakiris, Natalie
Wood, Celeste Holm, Peter Falk and Beau Bridges.
Rosing was married three times. The first, in 1932, was
to English actress Meriel Carrington. They had a daughter, the artist Anna
Edouard. His second marriage was in 1953 to Marilyn Pendry, a dancer in movies
such as White Christmas and An American in Paris. They had one daughter,
Claudia Russell, before divorcing. Rosing's third marriage was in 1961 to June
Baum, a singer and actress.
Though it's not uncommon for artists to change their names and move across seas, the way in which Rosing became another person is striking. Gilbert Russell left Val Rosing behind, erased any memory of his existence and never shared any of his memories with his family. It was a complete change of who he was and what people knew him for. His reasons remain a mystery, even to his own daughter.
Lobby card for the 1939 film, "Bridal Suite".
Val aka Gilbert Russell
(center) is pictured here as the bridegroom.
|
Though it's not uncommon for artists to change their names and move across seas, the way in which Rosing became another person is striking. Gilbert Russell left Val Rosing behind, erased any memory of his existence and never shared any of his memories with his family. It was a complete change of who he was and what people knew him for. His reasons remain a mystery, even to his own daughter.
Rosing died of cancer in 1969 at the age of 59 and is
buried at Eden Cemetery in Los Angeles.
(Edited mainly from Wikipedia)
Val actually sang 'Leaning on a Lamp-Post' before George
Formby did - about fifteen minutes before, in the Formby film 'Feather Your
Nest' (1937).
2 comments:
For “Val Rosing – Try A little Tenderness” go here:
https://www.upload.ee/files/9603788/Val_Rosing.rar.html
1. Try a Little Tenderness 3:31
2. Teddy Bears' Picnic 2:56
3. Extraordinary Girl 2:59
4. You Are My Lucky Star 2:56
5. Dinah 2:58
6. Moon for Sale 2:39
7. Sweet Sue 2:55
8. I Just Want to Sing About You 2:31
9. In a Little Gypsy Tea Room 3:07
10. Home On the Range 3:20
11. Louisiana Fairytale 2:49
12. Please 3:04
13. A Street In Old Seville 2:56
14. Help Yourself to Happiness 2:26
15. Here's to the Next Time 2:30
16. The Sun Has Got His Hat On 2:32
17. Hush Hush Hush 2:50
18. Wonderful You 2:43
19. Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee 2:30
20. You Are Driving Me Crazy 2:55
21. Turning of the Tide 2:25
22. East of the Sun 3:20
23. Down Hearted 2:21
24. Jello Commercial: Meredity Wilson Show 2:31
This compilation features many unique and worthy performances from Rosing's days as a crooner, with a later radio recording for contrast. The accompaniments are stellar--and the Radio Rhythm Rascals sides "Dinah" and "Sweet Sue" (with an amazing jazz guitar) are especially worth noting. Rosing's hit recording of "The Teddy Bears' Picnic" is offered as well. If you're fond of British Dance Bands of the early 1930s generally--you will certainly enjoy this album.
Another fantastic share! Thank you, boppinbob.
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