"Rosemary Clooney has that great talent which exudes warmth and feeling in every song she sings. She's a symbol of good modern American music."--Frank Sinatra
Today marks the birthday of Rosemary Clooney, the acclaimed American singer and actress who was born in 1928 in Maysville, Kentucky. She first hit it big with her 1951 single "Come on-a My House".
You might have heard of the Clooney name before - her brother is none other than journalist and TV host Nick Clooney, who just so happens to be the father of the actor George Clooney.
Before her rise to fame, Clooney borrowed money to audition for a radio job singing duets with her sister, Betty. She signed with Columbia Records as a solo artist two years later and went on to sign a picture contract with Paramount after the success of her hit single.
Clooney is perhaps best known for her role in the 1954 film White Christmas.
In 1980, she acquired a second home in Augusta, Kentucky near her childhood hometown of Maysville. This was her escape from work and a peaceful spot between shows worldwide. Thanks to the support of loved ones and generous contributors, the house opened its doors to visitors in 2005.
I had the wonderful opportunity to tour her Augusta home privately, where I viewed the White Christmas Exhibit and other displays showcasing her movies, songs, concerts, and TV appearances. These exhibits are housed in the residence where she resided for more than twenty years. The experience was enchanting, and I felt a deep sense of honor as I followed in the footsteps of a true legend.
I traveled aboard the Brown Augusta ferry from Ohio to the quaint town of Augusta, KY, where the home is nestled along the picturesque Ohio River.
The non-profit museum is owned by Former Miss America Heather French who is from Augusta and her husband former Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Dr. Steve Henry. French Henry said she was good friends with Rosemary Clooney.
The museum showcases memorabilia donated by her nephew George Clooney from his productions, including the films "Oh Brother Where Art Thou and The Monuments Men"." Clooney occasionally visits the museum.
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