Ethel Merman (January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American actress and singer of the musical theatre. Known for her powerful voice, she was often referred to as "The Grande Dame of the Broadway stage". Among the dozens of songs introduced by Merman in Broadway musicals are "I've Got Rhythm," "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "It's De-Lovely," "Friendship," "They Say That Falling In Love is Wonderful," "Rose's Tur...
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Ethel Merman (January 16, 1908 – February 15, 1984) was an American actress and singer of the musical theatre. Known for her powerful voice, she was often referred to as "The Grande Dame of the Broadway stage". Among the dozens of songs introduced by Merman in Broadway musicals are "I've Got Rhythm," "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "It's De-Lovely," "Friendship," "They Say That Falling In Love is Wonderful," "Rose's Turn," and "Anything Goes."
Merman was born Ethel Agnes Zimmermann in her maternal grandmother's house at 359 4th Avenue, Astoria, Queens, New York. Her father, Edward Zimmermann, was an accountant, and her mother, Agnes (née Gardner), was a school teacher. Merman's father was German American and Lutheran, and her mother was Scottish American and Presbyterian; she was baptized Episcopalian. She attended PS 9 and William Cullen Bryant HS (Q445) in Astoria, which has named its auditorium in her honor.
Merman was known for her powerful, belting...
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