While Americans all over the country will be enjoying the classic film "White Christmas" on video this holiday season, Salt Lake City will have the opportunity to enjoy the leading lady in person when Rosemary Clooney comes to Abravanel Hall with the Utah Symphony.
An American classic herself, the singer famous for hits such as "Come-On-A-My-House," and "Mambo Italiano," will give a special performance on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Abravanel Hall. Tickets to Clooney's "White Christmas Party" are $20-$40 and can be purchased through ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS (2787) or 1-888-451-ARTS, or at the ArtTix outlets at Abravanel Hall and the Capitol Theatre, or online at (www.utahsymphony.org). Utah Symphony subscribers and anyone interested in group discounts should call 801-533-NOTE (6683).
Looking back, Clooney's life has been filled with marvelous successes, although during the process, it didn't always look so rosy. When it comes to tough, Clooney knows what she's talking about; that edge of pain in her voice during the weepy ballads is genuine.
Clooney began her singing career at the age of 16, when her father and sole guardian went on a drinking binge and never returned. Desperate to earn money to live, Clooney and her sister, Betty, got a job singing at a local radio station.
The Clooney sisters' performances were a hit, and Rosemary and Betty were offered a contract with the Tony Pastor Orchestra, a big band swing group. From there, Clooney was catapulted into a successful career as a solo vocalist, getting offers from Columbia Records and Hollywood movie producers.
Perhaps the most thrilling offer came from Academy Award-winning actor Jose Ferrer, in the form of a marriage proposal. Despite his reputation as a womanizer, and despite the warnings of her friends, Clooney fell in love and married the dashing actor.
She stuck with the marriage through five children and innumerable challenges, but in the end, they divorced.
Exhausted from overwork and addicted to prescription drugs, she suffered a nervous breakdown and had to be hospitalized. But with the help of family and friends (including Bing Crosby), Clooney managed to recover and rebuild her career.
Now, at age 72, Clooney is still singing, and she's stronger than ever. With recently released CDs and performances in venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, and the new "Feinstein's on Broadway," Clooney has made her comeback with interest.
E-mail: rcline@desnews.com