The Book
For many, Rosemary Clooney is a name that will conjure up tunes
from White Christmas. While she may be most well-known for that classic
film, Clooney describes herself as “a sweet singer with a big band sensibility”
(30). She spent more time performing in concert and recording, than filming
movies. In Girl Singer: An Autobiography, Rosemary Clooney invites
readers into her life, tracing the role of singing from childhood to adulthood,
with all the trials and triumphs along they way.
Clooney grew up in Maysville, Kentucky, along the Ohio River. The
oldest of three, with parents who went through multiple separations, she and her
siblings lived with numerous relatives. It will surprise readers that Clooney
never learned to read music, but always enjoyed singing. In April 1945, she and
her sister Betty auditioned at a Cincinnati radio station and were hired as The
Clooney Sisters. A year later, they began touring with the Tony Pastor Band. In
1949, Clooney branched out on her own under a contract with Columbia Records.
The song that put Clooney on the map was “Come-on-a-My-House”; she
vividly describes her first experience hearing her own voice blaring from all
the record stores in New York City. In the midst of recording success, she married
actor Jose Ferrer. The marriage was not altogether happy or successful. Clooney
takes an honest look at her struggles in the marriage, never placing blame, but
sharing how she struggled to do it all (career, marriage, family) and please
everyone. The 1960s found Clooney suffering from a mental breakdown, which she describes
and is honest about how it impacted her family and friends. She slowly rebuilt
her reputation, becoming more comfortable as herself and not trying to live up
to the expectations of others.
This is a unique Hollywood star autobiography. Clooney is honest and
candid with readers, often revealing how childhood experiences impacted her
decisions as an adult. In doing so, the reader is able to look past the famous
figure and see the unique human who has struggles just like everyone else. There
are two characters in the book, who are not always forefront, but play a
significant role: music and the Ohio River. The significance of music is
threaded throughout the book: the impact other singers had on Clooney, a peak
into the music business, and the effect the notes, arrangement, words, and
style can have on a singer. Less prevalent, is the Ohio River. Girl Singer opens
with a word image of the Ohio River. A couple of times throughout the book,
Clooney references living near a river. Finally, the book closes with her house that sits on the Ohio River. It is what links Clooney to home, “a
centering place” (301).
The Place
The Rosemary Clooney House, located in Augusta, Kentucky, is
dedicated to the life and career of a singing icon. Clooney bought the house as
a retreat from her career and her upstairs bedroom is preserved. Visitors are
treated to a walk-through of Clooney’s life and career, which includes the
world’s largest collection of White Christmas memorabilia. You can have your
photo taken under the Columbia Inn sign, admire the costumes from the “Sisters”
number, and be tempted to play a song on Clooney’s rehearsal piano (the one she
used to rehearse with Bing Crosby). Throughout the rest of the house are
costumes and items from other Clooney films, as well as a tribute to her nephew
George Clooney. The cost to visit is $5 and street parking is available. Volunteers will take you on a tour and then leave you to wander back through at your leisure. A visit won’t take more than a couple of hours, depending on your level of interest. The Rosemary Clooney House is open from 11am-3pm Thursday-Saturday. It is a good idea to call ahead, although appointments are only required during the winter months.
Just past the front steps are breathtaking views of the Ohio River; for a closer look there is a landing with benches right on the river. Down the street is the public landing, if you are adventurous—as we were—you can drive your car onto the ferry to ride across the river. Augusta is a perfect example of small-town America. The downtown boasts historic buildings, antique shops, and a general store (complete with restaurant).
