May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977
Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby was a talented singer. His rich baritone voice epitomized the easy-going crooner of the 1940’s and ’50’s. He was a box office and record sales titan for more than two decades.
But, enough with the niceties.
Bing was also an incredibly…how to say it…”grumpy” individual. Rumors and stories of his abusive relationship with his family are numerous. Whether they’re true or not? Not for me to say. So, no need to dive into them here.
April 25, 1918 – June 15, 1996
A celebrated jazz vocalist, “Lady Ella” Fitzgerald was known as the “Queen of Jazz” and the “First Lady of Song.” She earned 13 Grammy awards as well as a number of other honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ella’s unmistakable voice is often praised for its pure tone and flawless diction.
December 08, 1925 – May 16, 1990
“THE ENTERTAINER” HE DID IT ALL
The inscription on Sammy Davis, Jr.’s grave marker could not be more accurate. He DID do it all. The multi-talented singer/dancer/actor/impersonator was a dynamo packed into a skinny, 5′ 5″ frame. By the age of 3, he was already performing on stage with his father, Sammy Davis, Sr. and Will Mastin as part of the Will Mastin Trio (Davis, Sr. and Mastin are also buried at Forest Lawn Glendale, right next to Sammy.) His career would see great heights despite personal setbacks. In 1954, Davis was in a serious car crash that resulted in the loss of his left eye, something he would use to his own self-deprecating sense of humor throughout his life. He found even greater fame along side pals Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in the legendary Rat Pack. The friends remained close throughout their lives and Sinatra remarked upon his death that Sammy was “one of the finest human beings I ever knew in my life.”
December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998
“The Chairman of the Board.” “The Voice.” “Old Blue Eyes.” Francis Albert Sinatra had a lot of names. But, mostly, everyone just called him “Frank.”
Hoboken, New Jersey’s favorite son was one of the largest entertainers in the world for decades. His smooth and unmistakable baritone catapulted him into super-stardom and made him the idol of a generation. From his early days singing with bandleaders Harry James and Tommy Dorsey to his unprecedented success as a solo artist, Sinatra wowed audiences and radio listeners with his rich voice and unique phrasing.
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June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969
I grew up in Kansas. I’ve heard every “Wizard of Oz” joke 17,000 times (you’re not original, people. Please stop.) I should hate the movie. I should hate everything about it. But, I don’t. I actually love it.
Judy Garland was born Frances Gumm in Grand Rapids, MN and was an entertainer from the start. Her family were vaudevillians and she and her sisters performed as The Gumm Sisters in a number of short films as girls. At some point – for any number of reasons depending on who you ask – they changed the name of their act to The Garland Sisters. Good move. And after that, the legendary name of Judy Garland would stick.
Judy starred in more than 40 films including the classics Meet Me in St. Louis, In the Good Old Summertime and, of course, The Wizard of Oz. She became an icon and had worldwide fame.
June 07, 1917 – December 25, 1995
Dino Paul Crocetti, better known as Dean Martin, was an American singer, actor and television host. Martin’s earliest success saw him team up with comedian, Jerry Lewis. The duo enjoyed a decade of stage acts, radio programs and television appearances as well as 17 films. After a popular solo career, he found his iconic place in entertainment history as a member – along with fellow crooners Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. – of the fabled Rat Pack. Known for his laid-back1 onstage persona and comedic prowess, Martin enjoyed a lengthy career despite ever-changing musical landscapes and personal tragedies.
Celebrity Graveland 