The Mesmerizing Vocals Of Jazz Sensation Ruth Etting.

Who was Ruth Etting? An American singer and actress, Ruth Etting was one of the most popular performers of the 1920s and 1930s.

Born in David City, Nebraska, in 1897, Etting began her career as a chorus girl in Chicago. In 1924, she was discovered by Broadway producer Florenz Ziegfeld, who cast her in the musical "Rio Rita." Etting quickly became a star, and her signature song, "Ten Cents a Dance," became a national hit.

Etting's success continued throughout the 1920s and 1930s. She starred in several Broadway musicals and films, and her recordings sold millions of copies. She was also a popular radio performer, and her show, "The Ruth Etting Show," was one of the most popular programs on the air.

Etting's career declined in the late 1930s, but she continued to perform until her death in 1978. She was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989.

Ruth Etting

Ruth Etting's captivating voice and magnetic stage presence made her one of the most celebrated singers of the 1920s and 1930s. Her signature song, "Ten Cents a Dance," epitomized the era's carefree spirit, while her other hits showcased her versatility as a performer.

• Star of Stage and Screen: Etting's talent shone brightly on both Broadway and in films, where she captivated audiences with her charm and charisma.
• Musical Innovation: Her recordings pushed the boundaries of popular music, incorporating elements of jazz and blues into her signature style.
• Cultural Icon: Etting's image and music became synonymous with the Jazz Age, representing the era's glamour and excitement.
• Personal Struggles: Despite her professional success, Etting's personal life was marked by tragedy and heartbreak.
• Enduring Legacy: Her music continues to inspire and entertain, cementing her place as a timeless icon of American popular culture.
• Influence on Others: Etting's vocal stylings and stage presence influenced a generation of singers, including Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
• Recognition and Honors: Etting's contributions to music were recognized with her induction into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989.

More than just a singer, Ruth Etting was a cultural phenomenon who embodied the spirit of the Jazz Age. Her music captured the era's exuberance and glamour, while her personal story added a touch of bittersweet nostalgia. Through her recordings and performances, Etting left an enduring legacy that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Star of Stage and Screen

Ruth Etting's success as a singer was not limited to the recording studio. She also excelled on stage and screen, captivating audiences with her dynamic performances.

• Broadway Star: Etting made her Broadway debut in the musical "Rio Rita" in 1924, and quickly became a star. She went on to appear in several other Broadway shows, including "Ziegfeld Follies" and "Simple Simon."
• Film Career: Etting also starred in several films, including "The Song of Love" (1929) and "Roman Scandals" (1933). Her films were often musicals, and she showcased her singing and dancing talents on the big screen.
• Stage Presence: Etting was known for her magnetic stage presence. She was a natural performer, and her charisma and energy captivated audiences. She was also a gifted comedienne, and her performances were often filled with humor.
• Vocal Versatility: Etting's voice was well-suited for both ballads and up-tempo numbers. She could sing with great power and emotion, or she could deliver a delicate and nuanced performance.

Etting's success on stage and screen helped to make her one of the most popular entertainers of the 1920s and 1930s. She was a true star, and her talent and charisma continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.

Musical Innovation

Ruth Etting's musical innovation was evident in her unique blend of popular music with elements of jazz and blues. This fusion created a sound that was both fresh and appealing, and it helped to set her apart from other singers of the era.

• Incorporating Jazz Elements: Etting's recordings often featured syncopated rhythms, improvised solos, and a relaxed, swinging feel. These elements added a jazzy flavor to her music, and they helped to create a sense of excitement and energy.
• Infusing Blues Influences: Etting's music also incorporated elements of the blues, such as the use of blue notes and minor chords. This gave her songs a soulful and expressive quality, and it helped to convey a range of emotions.
• Creating a Signature Style: By blending popular music with jazz and blues, Etting created a signature style that was both unique and appealing. Her music was accessible to a wide audience, but it also had a sophisticated edge that set it apart from the mainstream.

Etting's musical innovation was a major factor in her success. Her recordings were popular with both critics and the public, and they helped to define the sound of the Jazz Age. She was a true pioneer, and her music continues to inspire and influence singers today.

Ruth Etting's image and music were inextricably linked with the Jazz Age, an era characterized by economic prosperity, social change, and a newfound sense of freedom and indulgence. Etting's glamorous persona and sultry voice perfectly captured the spirit of the times, and she quickly became one of the most popular and recognizable entertainers of the 1920s and 1930s.

• Embodiment of the Flapper Lifestyle: Etting's personal style and public image embodied the flapper lifestyle, with its emphasis on fashion, freedom, and independence. Her short skirts, bobbed hair, and carefree attitude made her a role model for young women across the country.
• Musical Symbol of the Era: Etting's music was the soundtrack to the Jazz Age. Her signature song, "Ten Cents a Dance," perfectly captured the era's carefree spirit, and her other hits, such as "Button Up Your Overcoat" and "Love Me or Leave Me," became anthems of the time.
• Cultural Ambassador: Etting's popularity extended beyond the United States. She toured Europe and South America, and her music became a symbol of American culture and glamour. She was one of the first American singers to achieve international stardom.

Ruth Etting's status as a cultural icon was due in part to her unique combination of talent, charisma, and style. She was a gifted singer with a powerful voice and a natural ability to connect with her audience. She was also a savvy businesswoman who understood the power of self-promotion. As a result, she was able to build a successful career that spanned decades and left a lasting legacy on American popular culture.

Personal Struggles

Ruth Etting's life was a dichotomy of professional triumph and personal adversity. Despite her immense success as a singer, she faced numerous challenges and setbacks in her private life.

• Failed Marriages: Etting married three times, but each marriage ended in heartbreak. Her first two husbands were abusive, and her third husband died by suicide.
• Financial Difficulties: Despite her earnings as a singer, Etting often found herself in financial trouble due to bad investments and mismanagement.
• Health Problems: Etting struggled with alcoholism and depression, which took a toll on her health and well-being.
• Loss of Popularity: Etting's career declined in the late 1930s, and she struggled to regain her former popularity.

These personal struggles cast a shadow over Etting's life and contributed to her eventual demise. However, her story also serves as a reminder that even the most successful people can face adversity and heartbreak.

Enduring Legacy

Ruth Etting's enduring legacy is a testament to her immense talent and the enduring power of her music. Despite the personal struggles she faced, her songs continue to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and her influence can still be heard in the work of contemporary singers.

• Musical Innovation: Etting's unique blend of popular music with jazz and blues created a sound that was both fresh and timeless. Her recordings continue to be studied and admired by musicians and music lovers alike.
• Cultural Impact: Etting's music was not only popular, it also had a profound impact on American culture. Her songs helped to define the sound of the Jazz Age, and her image and style became synonymous with the era.
• Influence on Others: Etting's vocal stylings and stage presence influenced a generation of singers, including Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Her music continues to inspire and motivate singers of all genres.
• Timeless Appeal: Etting's songs have a timeless appeal that transcends generations. Her music is still enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and her recordings continue to be reissued and rediscovered by new fans.

Ruth Etting's enduring legacy is a testament to her talent, her innovation, and her impact on American popular culture. Her music continues to inspire and entertain, and she remains a timeless icon of the Jazz Age.

Influence on Others

Ruth Etting's influence on the vocal stylings and stage presence of a generation of singers, including Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, is a testament to her immense talent and the enduring power of her music. Etting's unique blend of popular music with jazz and blues created a sound that was both innovative and accessible, and her charismatic stage presence captivated audiences.

Billie Holiday, one of the greatest jazz singers of all time, was heavily influenced by Etting's vocal style. Holiday adopted Etting's use of phrasing and syncopation, and her signature vocal delivery bears a striking resemblance to Etting's. Ella Fitzgerald, another legendary jazz singer, was also influenced by Etting's stage presence. Fitzgerald studied Etting's performances and incorporated elements of Etting's showmanship into her own act.

The influence of Ruth Etting on Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald is just one example of her enduring legacy. Her music continues to inspire and motivate singers of all genres, and her impact on American popular culture is undeniable.

Recognition and Honors

Ruth Etting's induction into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989 stands as a testament to her significant contributions to American popular music. This prestigious honor recognizes her enduring legacy as a singer, actress, and cultural icon.

Etting's induction into the Hall of Fame is a culmination of her decades-long career, which spanned the Jazz Age and beyond. Her unique vocal style, which blended elements of popular music, jazz, and blues, captivated audiences and influenced a generation of singers. Her signature songs, such as "Ten Cents a Dance" and "Love Me or Leave Me," became timeless classics and continue to be enjoyed by listeners today.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Etting also made a significant impact on American culture. Her glamorous image and carefree spirit embodied the spirit of the Jazz Age, and she became a role model for women across the country. Her induction into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame not only recognizes her musical contributions but also her broader impact on American society.

The recognition and honors bestowed upon Ruth Etting serve as a reminder of her enduring legacy as a pioneer of American popular music. Her induction into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to her talent, innovation, and cultural impact.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ruth Etting

This section addresses common inquiries and misconceptions surrounding the life and career of Ruth Etting, an influential singer and cultural icon of the Jazz Age.

Question 1: What was Ruth Etting's signature song?

Answer: Ruth Etting's signature song was "Ten Cents a Dance," a popular hit that epitomized the carefree spirit of the Jazz Age.

Question 2: What was Etting's musical style?

Answer: Etting's musical style was a unique blend of popular music, jazz, and blues, which she showcased in her recordings and live performances.

Question 3: What was Etting's stage presence like?

Answer: Etting was known for her captivating stage presence, characterized by her charisma, energy, and natural comedic abilities.

Question 4: What were some of Etting's personal struggles?

Answer: Etting faced personal challenges, including failed marriages, financial difficulties, health problems, and a decline in her popularity later in her career.

Question 5: What is Etting's legacy?

Answer: Ruth Etting's enduring legacy lies in her musical innovation, cultural impact, and influence on generations of singers, including Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.

Question 6: What recognition did Etting receive for her contributions to music?

Answer: In recognition of her significant contributions, Ruth Etting was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989.

Summary: Ruth Etting's unique vocal style, innovative musical blend, and captivating stage presence left a lasting impact on American popular music. Despite personal challenges, her legacy as a pioneer and cultural icon continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.

Transition: Explore the following section to delve deeper into Ruth Etting's life, career, and cultural significance.

Conclusion

Ruth Etting's journey as a singer, actress, and cultural icon left an indelible mark on American popular music. Her unique vocal stylings, innovative blend of jazz and blues, and captivating stage presence captivated audiences during the Jazz Age and beyond.

Etting's influence extended far beyond her own performances. She inspired a generation of singers, including Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, and her music continues to resonate with listeners today. Her legacy as a pioneer and cultural icon reminds us of the enduring power of music to entertain, inspire, and connect people across generations.