Laura Duncan (singer) facts for kids

Laura Duncan was an American singer who performed on stage in the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her powerful voice and appeared in many musical shows and revues during her career.

Early Performances

Laura Duncan sang the famous song "Strange Fruit" at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1938. This was a very important song. She also performed it in Paul Robeson's show called The Negro in American Life in 1941.

Critics often praised her singing. She was part of Noël Coward's show Set to Music in 1939. In this show, she sang "Mad About the Boy". Many people thought this song would be the biggest hit of the show.

In 1940, Laura Duncan appeared in a musical show called 'Tis of Thee. This show was at Maxine Elliott in New York. She sang the song "After Tonight" in it.

Later Stage Work

Duncan was in another show called Talk out Loud in 1941. This show was at Unity House in Forest Park, Pennsylvania. A magazine called Variety said that Laura Duncan's singing was "masterly". They believed she was a rising star. However, when the show moved to Broadway, the New York Daily News gave it a less positive review.

In 1942, she performed at a nightclub called Village Vanguard. Variety gave her a mixed review. They said she had a "fine, sweet set of pipes" (meaning a great voice). But they also suggested she choose her songs carefully. They felt she was good at blues songs but not as good at comedy songs. The review also mentioned she should pay more attention to her hair and clothes to look more striking on stage.

Later in 1942, Duncan was in a show called It's About Time. This show was at the Barbizon-Plaza. In this show, she sang "Haunted Heart" with Al Moss.

Laura Duncan performed at Madison Square Garden again in 1942. This was for the nineteenth annual Lenin Memorial Rally. She sang a song called "Dive Bomber, Dive Low" there.

Radio and Political Activities

In 1944, Laura Duncan appeared on a radio show called Columbia Presents Corwin. She was on two episodes: "The Lonesome Train" and "Dorie Got a Medal".

Laura Duncan was also active in politics. She was in a show called FDR's Bandwagon in 1944. She worked with famous folk singer Pete Seeger and others. They supported the Progressive Party during the 1948 presidential election. She was also part of the People's Artists movement. This group used music to promote social and political causes.