hollywood: Helen O'Connell

Sunday, 1 July 2012

Helen O'Connell

Big-band vocalist of the 1940's who, duetting with singer Bob Eberly for the bandleaderJimmy Dorsey, was responsible for such million-selling recordings as "Green Eyes" and "Tangerine" as well as hit solo performances for Dorsey like "Six Lessons from Madame LaZonga."O'Connell retired from show business upon her first marriage in 1943. When her marriage ended in 1951, she resumed her career, achieving some chart success and making regular appearances on television. She was one of the first "girls" on NBC's The Today Show, and at one point had her own NBC program, Here's Hollywood, conducting interviews with celebrities, often in their own homes. O'Connell co-hosted the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants with Bob Barker from 1972 to 1980 and was nominated for an Emmy awardin 1976 for her coverage of the Miss Universe pageant. O'Connell sang duets with Bing Crosby, Johnny Mercer, and Dean Martin. O'Connell's 1942 recording of Brazil with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra was a 2009 addition to the Grammy Hall of Fame.