Jimmy Durante
February 10, 1893 – January 29, 1980
Jimmy Durante was a curiously popular singer and actor of the 1920s through the 1970s. Not known for having a traditional singing voice or leading-man good looks, Durante nonetheless became one of entertainments most popular fixtures during his career. After learning to play ragtime piano, Durante dropped out of school while still in his early teens to pursue a career in music. He began by playing in several ragtime and New Orleans jazz bands. He scored his first hit with “Inka Dinka Do” in 1934, and soon went on to become a popular draw on Broadway. Durante started appearing in popular films during the early ’30s, and would do so until 1963’s It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. And of course, Durante also conquered radio and television throughout his career. His face that only a mother could love was very familiar on TV through most of his later career. He was also the narrator for the wildly popular Frosty The Snowman cartoon special that has aired every year since 1969. In ailing health during his final years, Jimmy Durante passed away from pneumonia on January 29, 1980. He was 86 years old.
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I sure do miss ol’ “Shnozola.” He was also a favorite icon for Merrie Melodies parodies; that’s when you KNOW you’ve arrived!
His weekly TV show– always ending with: “Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are”– was a rare moment in time we all gathered close for at our house. I’m beginning to feel as old and outdated as my parents’ gabbing on and on about all those radio shows….
Durante was an underrated pianist– much like Nat King Cole– who hung up the ivories in favor of a vocal career. Not they were anywhere equally adept in either endeavor… it’s an ANALOGY, get it!
Thanks for the additional info Dennis! I appreciate the help!
Vince