Vocalist Betty St. Claire who left Columbus in the early 'forties, got her first break with Butterbeans & Susie, went on to sing with Errol Garner, Dizzy Gillespie, and Howard McGhee, recorded four albums in the 'fifties, then seems to have retired until she succumbed to cancer in 1972. Any additional bio-
graphical information would be appreciated.
Austin Cromer, an enormously powerful singer, who was a member of The Ravens in the middle 'fifties, sang and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie in 1956-57, was rediscovered by Atlantic Records working on a labor crew in Columbus in 1965, released a solo album, then "disappeared". Is there any truth to the rumor he had to quit singing because of a broken jaw?
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Guitarist Joe Walsh, leader of the James Gang and member of The Eagles, who, some claim, attended Crestivew Jr. High in Columbus. However, in a 1976 interview (make that "Innerview") with Jim Ladd, Walsh states he attended junior high for three years in Queens, NY. What's the truth?
SingerRose Blane, who grew up in Columbus as Rose Blank before winning a talent contest on local radio and leaving town to seek her fortune, evertually becoming the featured vocalist with the Abe Lyman Orchestra around 1937. After marring Lyman, she settled in Hollywood. Any additional information about her life would be appreciated. add your text.
The Marquees were a vocal group that worked the Columbus area and recorded a 45, "Ecstasy" b/w "Close To Me", on the local Daysel label with backing by the Jean Joseph Trio. But just who were these guys and whatever happened to them? No one seems to know.
Please help me collect information on Central Ohio musicians. If you know the answer to any of the above questions or have anything else you'd like to contribute, just send me an e-mail. Thanks!
