Elisabeth Welch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elisabeth Welch
Welch in 1977 by Allan Warren
Born	February 27, 1904 New York City, US
Died	July 15, 2003(2003-07-15) (aged 99) Northwood, London, England
Occupation	Actress, singer, entertainer
Years active	1922–1996
Spouse(s)	Luke Smith ​ (m. 1928⁠–⁠1936)​

Elisabeth Margaret Welch (born February 27, 1904 – died July 15, 2003) was an amazing American singer, actress, and entertainer. Her career was incredibly long, lasting for over 70 years! She was famous for her songs like "Stormy Weather", "Love for Sale", and "Far Away in Shanty Town". Even though she was born in America, she spent most of her life and career in Britain.

Early Life and Beginnings

Elisabeth Welch was born in New York City. Her father was a chief gardener. He had both Native American and African American family roots. Her mother was from Scotland and Ireland. Elisabeth grew up in a Christian family and started singing in her church choir.

At first, she thought about becoming a social worker after high school. But she decided to follow her passion and become a professional singer instead. She began her singing career in New York in 1922. A few years later, in 1929, she moved to Europe. She first went to Paris, then settled in London.

A Star on Stage and Screen

Elisabeth Welch first appeared on stage in America in a show called Liza in 1922. She was also the very first singer to perform the popular dance, the Charleston, in the show Runnin' Wild in 1923. During the 1920s, she performed in many African-American Broadway theatre shows. These included The Chocolate Dandies (1924) and Blackbirds of 1928.

Moving to Europe

In 1929, the show "Blackbirds of 1928" traveled to the Moulin Rouge in Paris. This is where Elisabeth started her career as a cabaret singer. She performed in popular nightclubs like Chez Florence.

Later, Elisabeth was asked to return to New York. She joined the show The New Yorkers (1930–1931). In this show, she sang Cole Porter's famous song "Love for Sale". Cole Porter met her in Paris and invited her to perform another one of his songs, "Solomon", in a London show called Nymph Errant in 1933.

Before Nymph Errant opened, Elisabeth got permission to perform in another London show, Dark Doings. Here, she sang "Stormy Weather", a brand new song by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. This song became her special, signature tune.

Film and Television Appearances

Elisabeth's amazing performance in Nymph Errant caught the eye of Ivor Novello. In 1935, he gave her a part in his show Glamorous Night. She was a standout again, singing his blues song "Far Away in Shanty Town". She also sang "As Time Goes By" in her cabaret act in 1931. This was many years before it became super famous in the movie Casablanca.

In the mid-1930s, Elisabeth started working in films. She usually played a singer. She was also the main actress alongside Paul Robeson in the film Song of Freedom and the musical Big Fella. She was also one of the first artists to perform on British television. She appeared on the BBC's new TV service from Alexandra Palace.

World War II and Later Career

During World War II, Elisabeth stayed in London during the Blitz. This was a time when London was bombed a lot. She entertained the soldiers and sailors as part of Sir John Gielgud’s acting group.

After the war, she performed in many West End theatre shows in London. She continued to appear on both television and radio. She also had her own special one-woman shows until 1990. She performed in the Royal Variety Performance in 1979 and 1985. In 1979, she played a Goddess in Derek Jarman's film version of Shakespeare's The Tempest, where she sang "Stormy Weather".

In 1980, she went back to New York to perform in Black Broadway. She returned again in 1986 with her one-woman show Time to Start Living. This show won her an Obie Award. She was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 1986 for her role in Jerome Kern Goes to Hollywood.

Elisabeth Welch was featured on the TV show This Is Your Life in 1985. She was surprised by the host, Eamonn Andrews, outside the Palace Theatre in London.

Her very last performance was in 1996. It was for a TV show called Black Divas, where she sang "Stormy Weather" at 92 years old. Her final public appearance was in 1997 at a special concert. This was a tribute to a theatre critic named Jack Tinker at the London Palladium. She was 93 years old. She didn't perform, but when her attendance was announced, everyone stood up and cheered for her.

Personal Life

In 1928, Elisabeth married Luke Smith, who was a jazz musician. They separated after only a few months. They did not have any children. Luke Smith passed away in 1936.

Elisabeth Welch died peacefully at the age of 99. She passed away at Denville Hall in Northwood, London, on July 15, 2003.

Legacy and Recognition

In 1988, the Variety Club of Great Britain gave Elisabeth Welch a special award. This was to honor her amazing contributions to the entertainment industry.

In February 2012, a special English Heritage blue plaque was placed on a building in Kensington, London. This plaque marks the home where Elisabeth Welch lived from 1933 to 1936. It helps people remember her important life and career.

She was also a guest on the BBC radio show Desert Island Discs twice. Her appearances were on February 26, 1952, and November 18, 1990. Her second appearance is now available online for everyone to listen to.

Theatrical Performances

Film Performances