The most complete study of Nelson’s early career, with many pages reproduced from his own scrapbooks. Many fascinating early interviews and all his reviews for every performance whether concert, opera or oratorio. In some instances, Nelson wrote his own commentary in the margins of the scrapbook pages. Includes a chapter on Jeanette MacDonald’s career as well as an unproduced movie script that Nelson wrote. He hoped to star in duo roles in the biopic, portraying the great Russian opera star Chaliapin, and also playing himself as the young Nelson Eddy who meets his idol in a poignant moment at the film’s end.
Review
“An amazingly researched and detailed reporting of Nelson Eddy’s early career – so insightful. I had only known this meticulous musician as a ‘movie star’, but upon reading this and other outstanding works by Sharon Rich, I have come to appreciate all NE did to reach the heights of his chosen profession: concert artist. These revelations have contributed to the countless hours of enjoyable listening to his extensive body of work. Highly recommended to Nelson Eddy fans as well as to aspiring singers, young and old!”
“I think Ms. Rich must have found every review that was ever published. A large portion of the book is reproductions of and copied reviews. I’m sure this was done to flesh out the meager supply of eyewitness and recollections of Mr. Eddy’s years prior to 1935 when he first appeared in Naughty Marietta. I liked it and it was a needed reference to supplement Ms. Rich’s definitive Sweethearts.”