On the 31st January, Broadway Legend Carol Channing will be 92. This amazing lady is still performing and also doing charity work for the foundation she formed with her husband, Harry, before he died.
Miss Channing is best known for her performance in Jerry Herman's smash hit, Hello Dolly! Miss Channing first performed this on Broadway in 1964 and has played the part over 5000 times. Her unique vocal range is so distinctive and you instantly know who you are listening to.
Miss Channing played Dolly in London in 1980 and I was fortunate enough to see her, she was amazing and have her all to the performance, something she does with everything she enters into. Miss Channing has played the part on Broadway several times and on many national tours in the US. There are two cast albums, the original in 1964 and the thirtieth anniversary cast album in 1994, both uniquely starring Miss Channing.
Miss Channing missed out on the film version, but for those who love this show, she is the only Dolly Levi.
Miss Channing also has another song that she is well known for and that is Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend, this was from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Miss Channing used to sing this song and then throw "diamonds" into to the audience.
Miss Channing was one of Al Hirschfeld's favourite subjects and I am fortunate enough to have a number of signed Hirschfeld limited prints, such as the one below.
Happy Birthday Miss Channing, wishing you many, many more.
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