Georgia Gibbs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgia Gibbs
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Frieda Lipschitz |
| Born | August 17, 1918 Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | December 9, 2006 (aged 88) New York City, U.S. |
| Years active | 1936–1966 |
| Associated acts | Ellis Larkins |
Georgia Gibbs (born Frieda Lipschitz; August 17, 1918 – December 9, 2006) was a very popular American singer. She was known for her amazing voice and could sing many different styles of music. From soft, sad songs to upbeat jazz and early rock and roll, she did it all! She became famous in the 1950s.
Contents
Early Life and Talent
Georgia Gibbs was born Frieda Lipschitz in Worcester, Massachusetts. She was the youngest of four children. Her father passed away when she was very young. Because of this, she and her siblings lived in a Jewish orphanage for seven years. An orphanage is a home for children whose parents cannot care for them.
Even as a young girl, Frieda showed a natural talent for singing. She often took the lead role in the orphanage's yearly talent show. When her mother found a job, Frieda was able to come home. Her mother's work often meant Frieda was left alone for a while. Her only company was a radio, where she listened to music.
Starting Her Music Career
Frieda was only 13 years old when she tried out for a job at the Plymouth Theatre in Boston. This was a famous place for vaudeville shows, which were like variety shows with different acts. The manager had already heard her sing on a local radio station. She got the job and moved to Boston.
She later joined the Hudson-DeLange Orchestra in 1936. She was 17 years old then. She toured with them for 10 months, using the name Fredda Gibson. Touring with a band meant lots of travel and late nights.
Radio and Early Recordings
Georgia found steady work on radio shows. These included Your Hit Parade, Melody Puzzles, and The Tim And Irene Show. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, she sang with famous bands. Some of these were Tommy Dorsey, Hal Kemp, and Artie Shaw.
Her first song to appear on a music chart was "Absent Minded Moon" in 1942.
Becoming Georgia Gibbs
In 1943, she changed her name to Georgia Gibbs. She became a regular singer on the Camel Caravan radio show. This show was hosted by Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore. Garry Moore gave her a famous nickname: "Her Nibs, Miss Georgia Gibbs." This nickname meant she was important and had a big presence, even though she was small.
In 1946, Georgia signed with Majestic Records. But her first big solo hit song came in 1950. It was called "If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked a Cake". During this time, she also performed with comedians like Danny Kaye and Sid Caesar.
Reaching the Top of the Charts
In 1951, Georgia Gibbs signed with Mercury Records. This is where she truly became a star. She had a very flexible voice. She recorded many successful songs in different styles. These included romantic songs, jazz, swing, and even early rock-and-roll.
Her most successful song was "Kiss Of Fire" in 1952. She sang it on The Milton Berle Show. This song reached No. 1 on the pop music charts! It sold over one million copies, earning her a gold disc.
Georgia's voice was perfect for romantic songs like "My Melancholy Baby" and "Autumn Leaves". But she could also sing exciting jazz songs like "Red Hot Mama." She even rocked out with "I Want You to Be My Baby." Her album Swingin' With Her Nibs (1956) showed how good she was at making up parts as she sang.
Later Career and Legacy
In 1957, Georgia signed with RCA Victor. She continued to have many songs on the charts. She even had success with rock 'n' roll songs. Her song "Silent Lips" was a big hit in Sweden. "The Hula Hoop Song" also did well there.
She appeared on many TV shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show. She even had her own show called Georgia Gibbs and her Million Record Show. She recorded her last album, Call Me, in 1966. After that, she performed less often.
Georgia Gibbs was known for singing popular versions of songs that other artists had made famous. This was a common practice at the time.
Personal Life and Passing
In 1970, Georgia married Frank Gervasi. He was a writer and foreign correspondent. They had met many years before in Paris. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1990. They had one child who passed away before Georgia.
Georgia Gibbs passed away from leukemia on December 9, 2006. She was 88 years old. She died in New York City. She left behind her grandson, her brother, and several nieces.
TV Appearances
Georgia Gibbs was a popular guest on many television shows during her career. Here are some of them:
- American Bandstand (1957)
- The Big Record (1957)
- The Cavalcade of Stars (1951)
- Frankie Laine Time (1956)
- The Ed Sullivan Show (multiple appearances from 1957-1960)
- The Ed Wynn Show (1950)
- Four Star Revue (1951)
- The Garry Moore Show (1958)
- The Shower of Stars (1956, 1957)
- The Steve Allen Show (1956)
- Toast of the Town (multiple appearances from 1949-1955)
Images for kids
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Georgia Gibbs
