Jane Russell: The Glamorous Voice of Old-Time Radio

Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell was born on June 21, 1921, in Bemidji, Minnesota. Her father, Roy William Russell, had served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, while her mother, Geraldine Jacobi, had been an actress with a traveling theater troupe. The family lived in Canada for the first year of Jane's life before moving to California, where her father found employment as an office manager.

From a young age, Jane showed a keen interest in the arts. Her mother arranged for her to take piano lessons, and she also participated in stage productions at her high school. Initially, Jane's ambition was to become a designer, but after her father's untimely death in his mid-40s, she decided to work as a receptionist after graduating.

However, Jane's striking beauty and statuesque figure soon caught the attention of photographers, and she began modeling on the side. Encouraged by her mother, she also studied drama and acting, honing her skills at the Bliss-Hayden Theatrical Workshop and under the tutelage of renowned acting coach Gwen Wakeling.

Entry Into Radio

In 1940, Jane's life took an unexpected turn when she was signed to a seven-year contract by film mogul Howard Hughes. This led to her motion picture debut in 1943's "The Outlaw," a film that went to great lengths to showcase her curvaceous figure.

While the movie was completed in 1941, it faced numerous delays due to issues with the censorship board over the way Jane's figure was displayed in the film's promotion. The movie was finally approved and released in 1946, during which time Jane became known nationally through extensive publicity.

Despite the success of "The Outlaw," Jane did not immediately transition to a full-time acting career. Instead, in 1947, she launched a musical venture, singing with the Kay Kyser Orchestra on radio and recording several singles.

Notable Radio Shows and Characters

Jane's foray into radio proved to be a fruitful one. In 1947, she recorded two singles with the Kay Kyser Orchestra, "As Long As I Live" and "Boin-n-n-ng!" She also cut a 78 rpm album for Columbia Records that year, titled "Let's Put Out the Lights," which featured eight songs.

While Jane later dismissed the Columbia album as "horrible and boring to listen to," the recordings showcased her versatile vocal talents and her ability to captivate audiences with her sultry, magnetic presence.

In 1950, Jane recorded a single, "Kisses and Tears," with Kyser and his orchestra for Columbia.

Jane's radio career took an exciting turn in 1948 when she was cast as Calamity Jane opposite Bob Hope in the hit comedy film "The Paleface." The film's success led to a revival of Jane's career, and she continued to make appearances on various radio programs throughout the 1950s.

One notable radio appearance was on the popular sitcom "The Honeymooners" in 1956. In the episode "The Wallet," Walter Findlay, played by Art Carney, carries a lipstick impression and autograph of Jane Russell in his wallet as a good luck charm, highlighting her enduring popularity and status as a Hollywood icon.

Broadcasting Style and Signature Techniques

Jane Russell's broadcasting style was marked by her natural charisma and effortless delivery. Her deep, sultry voice and confident presence captivated listeners, and she was known for her ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles on the radio.

In her radio performances, Jane often showcased her versatility as a singer, performing a range of songs from ballads to upbeat swing numbers. Her renditions of classics like "A Little Girl from Little Rock" and "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" were particularly well-received, highlighting her musical talents alongside her acting skills.

Jane's relaxed and confident demeanor also set her apart on the radio. She believed in the importance of staying physically and mentally relaxed, often taking cues from her husband, former football player Bob Waterfield, on the art of relaxation. This approach allowed Jane to deliver her performances with a natural ease that resonated with audiences.

Transition to Other Media and Legacy

While Jane Russell's radio career was significant, she is perhaps best known for her work in the film industry. After the success of "The Paleface," she went on to star in a number of popular movies, including the hit musical comedy "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" alongside Marilyn Monroe in 1953.

Jane's transition to the silver screen did not diminish her involvement in radio, however. She continued to make guest appearances on various programs throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "The Red Skelton Hour," "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse," and "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In addition to her acting and singing work, Jane Russell was also a successful businesswoman and philanthropist. In 1955, she founded Waif, the first international adoption program, which helped place thousands of children with adoptive families.

Jane's legacy as a versatile and captivating performer has endured long after her retirement from acting. She is remembered as a true icon of Hollywood's golden age, a "brunette bombshell" whose magnetic presence and talent transcended the boundaries of film and radio.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"The Kay Kyser Orchestra" (1947) - Performed "As Long As I Live" and "Boin-n-n-ng!"
"Let's Put Out the Lights" (1947) - Recorded 78 rpm album for Columbia Records
"Kisses and Tears" (1950) - Recorded single with Kay Kyser and his orchestra for Columbia
"The Honeymooners" (1956) - Guest appearance, episode "The Wallet"

Film

"The Outlaw" (1943) - Feature film debut as Rio McDonald
"The Paleface" (1948) - Starred as Calamity Jane opposite Bob Hope
"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) - Starred as Dorothy Shaw alongside Marilyn Monroe
"The French Line" (1953) - Performed musical numbers including "Well! I'll Be Switched," "What Is This That I Feel?," "Any Gal from Texas," and "Looking for Trouble"
"Fate Is the Hunter" (1964) - Appeared as herself, performed "No Love, No Nothin'"

Television

"The Red Skelton Hour" (1959-1963) - Recurring role as Clara Appleby III and Lillian Martin
"Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse" (1959) - Guest appearance as Lili Travers
"Colgate Theatre" (1958) - Guest appearance as Brandy Macreedy
"Hunter" (1986) - Guest appearance as Ava Fontaine
"The Yellow Rose" (1984) - Recurring role as Rose Hollister

Other Media

"Marilyn" (1963) - Performed "A Little Girl from Little Rock" and "When Love Goes Wrong"
"Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical Treasure" (2008) - Performed "A Little Girl from Little Rock" (uncredited)
"Burlesque" (2010) - Performed "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (Swing Cats Mix)"
Autobiography: "Jane Russell: My Path and My Detours" (1985)

Jane Russell: The Brunette Bombshell of Old-Time Radio

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